PIERCE COUNTY — Peak season on the Pierce County ferry will bring changes to fare rates and the schedule. Peak season runs May 1 to September 30.

Fare rates

Peak season fares start May 1 for Pierce County ferry passengers that drive a vehicle or motorcycle onto the ferry. Walk-on passenger rates are the same year-round, and bicycles can be walked on at no extra cost. Riders will not be able to use non-peak season tickets once peak season begins.

Passengers driving vehicles 21 feet in length or less will see their rates increase from the non-peak season rate of $16.80 to the peak season rate of $21, while passengers driving motorcycles will see an increase from $9.05 to $11.30. Rates for seniors or disabled drivers will increase from $14 to $17.55.

The five-trip commuter pass for vehicles 21 feet in length or less remains at $67.15, while the five-trip pass for motorcycle commuters remains at $36.10.

Schedule changes

During peak season, the Thursday run leaving Steilacoom at 8:40 p.m. does not operate. Similarly, the runs leaving Anderson Island at 9:10 p.m. and Ketron Island at 9:30 p.m. do not operate. These runs were added to the schedule in 2013 primarily to accommodate those attending school events.

During peak season, a later run is added on Sunday nights to accommodate summer visitors. The run departs Steilacoom at 10 p.m.; Anderson Island at 10:30 p.m.; and Ketron Island at 10:50 p.m. The non-peak season run departing Ketron Island on Sundays at 9:30 p.m. will be replaced by the 10:50 p.m. run.

On Fridays from July 1 through Labor Day, the last trip of the day will run one hour later. This means the 10 p.m. departure from Steilacoom will shift to 11 p.m.; the 10:30 p.m. departure from Anderson Island will change to 11:30 p.m.; and the 10:50 p.m. departure from Ketron Island will shift to 11:50 p.m.

The schedule will change Memorial Day, July 3-4, and Labor Day to accommodate holiday travelers.

The Pierce County Ferry System provides service between the town of Steilacoom, Anderson Island and Ketron Island. Visit http://www.piercecountywa.org/ferry for the ferry schedule and a full list of vehicle and motorcycle fares.