Let the dog in!

This is a portion of an article by the Kitsap Sun Staff, February 3, 2007:

Washington State Ferries is proposing a 4 percent general fare increase to take effect later this year, it announced Friday. The ferry system had planned for 2.5 percent yearly increases.
“The unfortunate aspect is that the 2.5 percent isn’t going to do it,” Washington State Transportation Commissioner Bob Distler said at a presentation for the Joint Transportation Committee in January.
Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald had said it would take an increase of 5 to 6 percent this year just “to stay even.”
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Bob, what is it going to take? You guys have jacked up this fare 62% in the past five years. That’s already outrageous. Don’t think, oh, those Bainbridge people can take it, because you know what? First, it is not just Bainbridge, it is Kitsap and Olympic peninsula people, too, among others. Second, with all the rate increases, we stop driving our cars on the ferry, unless truly necessary. We drive to Silverdale instead, consuming more gas but saving on fares, especially on summer prices. The ferry system acts like your friend who can’t manage their money. They beg you for a “loan” and promise they won’t need more. Then, guess what? They call again. They leave you 12 voicemails. When will they get it together? We ferry riders are not a bottomless, deep pocket to solve their spending habit. Quit eating out! Disconnect the cable! Get a cheaper car! Here’s a concept: make a budget and stick to it because we are all out of gold coins!

[This post can also be found on Bainbridge Breezes.]

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