SEATTLE – As of Friday, walking or driving onto a state ferry will cost a little more.

The state Transportation Commission, which sets fares for the Washington State Ferries, says the decision to raise rates amid the coronavirus pandemic didn’t come easily.

Reema Griffith, the commission’s executive director, says the commission is trying to sustain service and protect the long-term viability of the ferry system.

During this pandemic, ridership has steeply declined, leading to about a $14 million ferry revenue shortfall. Griffith says those revenues support 75% of the ferry system’s operations, and postponement of a fare increase would have only added to the growing revenue loss.

Among the changes in ferry rates:

A 2.5 percent fare increase for all vehicles.

A 2 percent fare increase for passengers.

A 25-cent increase for the capital surcharge, dedicated to the construction of new vessels.