OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Ferry fares in Washington state will increase 2.5% in October.

The Washington State Transportation Commission approved the increase for walk-on passengers and vehicle fares that will occur this year and again in 2022.

The increase is based on the transportation budget passed by the 2021 legislature that requires $377 million to be generated from fares over the next two years.

But the state’s transportation budget took a hit during the pandemic, so now the state has to catch up.

Seventy-five percent of ferry operations funds come from fares while the other 25% from gas tax money.