OLYMPIA, Wash. – Higher fares could be on their way to Washington ferry users.

The Washington State Transportation Commission is holding a public hearing this Thursday, August 10th, to discuss its proposal to raise fare rates.

If approved, the new rates would increase by 4.25 percent each October over the next two years.

Despite the proposed rate increase, the plan would also give a larger discount to those buying multi-ride passes.

The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. this Thursday in Seattle and will be streamed on TVW.

The commission is expected to vote on the proposal during the meeting after hearing public testimony.