Data Shows Fourth Year of Rising Ferry Ridership

SEATTLE (AP) — Ferry ridership is up for the fourth straight year.

The Kitsap Sun reports higher fares and limited service drove Washington State Ferry ridership down to 22.2 million in 2012.

The record high was set in 1999 with 26.8 million people.

Data for 2016 shows 24.2 million riders.

That's up 1.3 percent from 2015.

The route from Bainbridge to Seattle is the most heavily traveled, with 6.4 million riders in 2016.

Ridership may also be increasing due to steady fares, a stronger economy and low gas prices.