DOT Proposes Doubling Fares For Connecticut River Ferries

The state’s Department of Transportation is proposing doubling its fares for the two ferries that ply the Connecticut River, the Glastonbury-Rocky Hill and the Chester-Hadlyme ferries.

The DOT announced the planned fare changes today, which would take affect July 1 of this year if approved. The agency said in a press release that the fare hikes are needed to offset the rising costs of operating the two ferries. Fares for the river crossings have not increased since 2003, the DOT says.

The agency will hold public hearings on the proposal next month; On May 20, from 6:30 -9 p.m., at the Rocky Hill Community Center and May 22, May 22, 6:30 – 9 p.m.,  at the Chester Meeting House.

The idea to increase the fares by 100 percent follows the DOT’s controversial proposal in 2011 to shutter the ferry service at both locations.
James P. Redeker, the DOT’s commissioner, said in a press release issued today that the agency is working to keep the ferries running.

"We are committed to maintaining the ferry operations serving tourists, commuters, pedestrians and bicyclists alike,” Redeker said. “Raising the fares has been carefully considered. Fare increases are never popular, but costs for operating the ferries have consistently been significantly greater than passenger revenues, resulting in a state subsidy of $651,000 in the most recent fiscal year.”     

The fare increases are apparently in line with recommendations from contained in a  Strategic Business Plan the DOT developed in consultation with the Connecticut River Ferry Task Force, a group of concerned citizens that was organized following the outcry last year over the plan to close the ferries.

Several other recommendations from that effort are being implemented. The DOT is installing new road signs that will direct the public to the “Historic Connecticut River Ferry,”  and new environmentally compliant engines were installed in both the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry and the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry during the 2012-2013 winter maintenance period.   
    
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry began its season on Monday, April 1, and will run through Nov. 30. The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31.

Under the fare hike proposal, vehicle fares will increase from $3 to $6. Fares for walk-on passengers and bicyclists will be increase from $1 to $2. The price of the Discount Coupon Book that now costs $40 for a book of 20 coupon tickets (a 33 percent savings) will increase to $80(also a 33 percent savings).