New fares for the Pierce County ferry will go into effect on Jan. 1. The fare for a single vehicle and driver will increase from $12.50 to $15.

Adult walk-on passenger fares will increase from $3.80 to $4.40The Pierce County ferry, which runs between Steilacoom, Ketron Island, and Anderson Island, last had a fare increase on Jan. 1, 2004. Due to the recent surge in fuel prices and other factors, this increase is in line with the county’s ultimate goal of recovering 80 percent of the ferry system cost.

Unused ferry fare tickets issued prior to Jan. 1 will remain valid through Feb. 15. Existing commuter tickets will still be accepted until the expiration date indicated on each ticket.

Round-trip tickets can be purchased at the Steilacoom Landing facility.

For more information, call the 24-hour ferry schedule recording at (253) 798-2766 or visit http://www.piercecountywa.org/ferry.