This fall you'll pay more for fewer ferries

SEATTLE -- Fall starts this weekend and that means ferry riders will get hit with a double-whammy -- not only will they pay more to ride the ferries, but there will fewer of them to ride.

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced new schedules and fare increases Wednesday.

Starting Oct. 1, you'll see a 2 percent increase in passenger fares and a 3 percent increase in vehicle fares.  he Anacortes/Sidney B.C. run will go up even more -- 4.1 percent.

Since fewer people generally ride the ferries during the winter season, there will be fewer sailings.

Starting Sunday, Sept. 22, there will be just four vessels in service on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands run and there will be fewer sailings on weekends on the Fauntleroy/Vashon Island/Southworth run. The Mukilteo/Clinton run will have fewer late-night and early-morning sailings Thursday through Sunday.

One-boat service will resume on the Port Townsend/Coupeville run on Tuesday, Oct. 15.