Funding Our Ferries: A Fairer Way
Funding Our Ferries: A Fairer Way
Imagine you live on an island and need to get to the mainland for school, work, or even just to buy groceries. For many people in Washington State, the ferry system is like a floating bridge connecting them to the rest of the world. But keeping these ferries running smoothly and up-to-date costs a lot of money. Right now, most of that money comes from fares – the tickets people buy to ride the ferries.
The Problem with Tolls
While it seems fair that people who use the ferries should pay for them, relying mostly on fares has some big problems. First, it makes riding the ferry expensive! For families or people who need to travel often, these costs can really add up. Second, when fares go up, fewer people might choose to ride the ferry. This means less money coming in, which makes it even harder to keep the ferries in good shape.
A Better Solution: State Tax Revenue
- Fares:
- The money you pay to ride a ferry or other transportation.
- Modernize:
- To make something new or up-to-date.
- Revenue:
- Money that is made or earned.
- Carbon Credits:
- A way to reduce pollution by investing in environmental projects.
- mainland:
- The large, main area of land of a state or country, as opposed to nearby islands.
- reliable:
- Able to be trusted or depended on to work well and consistently.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main problem with funding the ferry system primarily through fares?
- 2Why is the ferry system important for people living on islands in Washington State?
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About this opinion / argumentative passage for Upper Elementary
“Funding Our Ferries: A Fairer Way” is a opinion / argumentative reading passage about Ferry Funding, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (385 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.