OLYMPIA – Transportation trends in the Central Puget Sound area, where 3.8 million residents make up more than half the state’s entire population, will be among the topics of discussion when the Washington State Transportation Commission meets next week in Olympia. The commission also will talk about possible changes to ferry fares and policies.

The meeting starts 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, and 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, at the Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during the public comment periods at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and 11:45 a.m., Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, the commission will receive briefings on the development of the state public transportation plan and the recently completed 2015 ferry riders’ opinion group survey, based on ferry riders’ evaluation of Washington State Ferries’ performance and service.

Tuesday’s meeting concludes with a discussion about potential 2015 Washington State Ferries fare setting, policies and operational strategies. This is in light of proposed House and Senate transportation budgets that rely on 2.5 percent fare increases in 2015 and 2016 to offset ferry operating costs. The commission will consider whether and how to encourage more people to walk or bike onto ferries.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov.