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07/16/2013 12:00 AMFollowing two public meetings in May to discuss increasing fares on the Chester-Hadlyme and Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferries, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker has announced that fares will be raised in two stages. The first increase took effect July 8 and the second increase will occur at the beginning of the ferry season in 2014.
“We are committed to maintaining the ferry operations serving residents, commuters, tourists, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike. The ferries are an important part of the regional history and serve transportation, recreation, and tourism roles,” Redeker said. “Fares have not been increased since 2003, while operational costs have been rising. Our initial proposal was to double existing fares, but the input we received at our public meetings supported a more modest, phased-in approach.”
After considering the public comments and suggestions raised at two public meetings, including one in Chester, the fares will be raised in two stages. Under the plan, on
July 8 fares for walk-on passengers and bicyclists increased from $1 per crossing to $2, weekday vehicle fares will be increased from the current $3 per crossing to $4, and the weekend fare for vehicles will be increased from $3 to $5. In addition, the price of the discount coupon book that now costs $40 for a book of 20 tickets will be increased to $50.
Beginning with the 2014 ferry season, fares for walk-on passengers and bicyclists will remain at $2, weekday vehicle fares will be increased to $5, the weekend vehicle fare will be increased to $6, and the price for the 20-ticket discount coupon book will be increased to $60.
For years, the two ferries have operated at deficits and for years their supporters have been waging periodic battles to keep them running. A DOT proposal this spring to double ridership rates was the latest chapter. At the May public meeting in Chester, no one seemed to agree with the DOT’s original proposal—not even Redeker—but the commissioner told the approximately 40 area residents at the meeting that fares have not increased in 10 years.
“Investments are being made in the ferries. This seems the right time to implement a rate increase. We have to start the discussion somewhere before we reach a determination [on rates.] This is a stalking horse proposal. I am here to listen. You are the people who use the ferry regularly. I do not,” he said, but after 10 years without a rate increase, “it’s time to start discussing it.”
At several points during the meeting Redeker emphasized that he considered the ferry system a part of the state’s overall transportation system. As such, he did not expect the ferries to run at a profit—other parts of the systems don’t, he explained—but a more than $600,000 annual deficit in ferry operations needed to be addressed in some way.
The area residents offered more than a score of recommendations to Redeker, ranging from incremental fare increases to reduced hours of operation to increased hours of operation to higher fares on weekends and higher fees for out-of-state travelers.