Traffic & Transit
Free Ferry Trips For Younger Riders Start Saturday
Washingtonians 18 and under can walk onto ferries at no cost as part of the Move Ahead Washington package approved earlier this year.
SEATTLE — Riders 18 and younger can board Washington State Ferries for free, starting Saturday, thanks to new legislation passed earlier this year. Transit funding included in the mammoth “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package directed agencies across the state to drop fares for younger riders by Oct. 1 to qualify for their slice of $1.45 billion in new grants.
Most transit services made the jump to “zero youth fares” on Sept. 1, including King County Metro, Pierce Transit and Kitsap Ferries.
Starting on the first day of October, the nation’s largest ferry system will join the party, waiving fares for youth walk-ons and vehicle passengers aboard its vessels. Riders under 19 who are driving onto the ferry themselves will still have to pay regular fares, officials said Thursday.
Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
#ICYMI, youth board for free starting tomorrow 10/1, as a result of this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package. Law applies only to youth riding as a vehicle passenger & walk-ons. Does not include teenagers behind wheel of a motor vehicle. https://t.co/DMehtwJMI6 pic.twitter.com/lEj8S6yAzQ
— Washington State Ferries (@wsferries) September 30, 2022
Saturday's change means youth tickets will no longer be sold online or at kiosks, but youth riders will still need to grab a free ticket at the booth or swipe their ORCA card at some terminals. More charges coming to ORCA next year will create a Free Youth Transit Pass, which younger riders will be able to tap for no-cost rides across the region.
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