Ferry fares to go up on Jan. 1

In a brief statement, the ferry system said they had been advised they have the legal authority to move forward with the across-the-board fare increase as approved by the state Transportation Commission.

The statement said, "Voter-approved initiative 1053 does not affect this fare increase because the fare increase was officially filed before the effective date of the initiative. We are proceeding with the changes necessary to implement the fare increase on Jan. 1, and we hope to have January passes available Friday."

The increase had been challenged by initiative guru Tim Eyman, who said an initiative approved by voters earlier this year prohibited any increase without the approval of the state legislature.

The price for a round-trip walk-on passenger from Anacortes to any of the islands will be $11.50, up from the current lowest off-season, early week price of $10.10, but less than the peak season, weekend price of $13.45.

A car and driver would pay $39.85 from Anacortes to Friday Harbor in the off-peak season and $53.80 for peak season. The Anacortes-Sydney, BC fares will increase, too. A car and driver would pay $45.15 off peak season, up from $44.05.