Doyle Wants to Cut Cost of Ferry

Following a on Monday night, Sen. Paul Doyle wants to find ways to lower the overall costs of the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, so it can continue operations long-term. 

“The immediate threat is gone, but there is no guarantee that the ferry will not face a shutdown again if the economy worsens in the future,” Doyle said in release Wednesday. “We must lower costs and make the ferry more self-sustaining to ensure its survival through future budget crises.”

Doyle thanked everyone who participated in the hearing and is hoping some of the suggestions will lead to long-term solutions to cutting the cost of the ferry. The following ideas were presented at the hearing. 

• Formation of “,” a non-profit group to raise funds and organize support for the ferry
• Assembling a task force to strategize with the state Department of Transportation on the ferry’s preservation
• Seeking volunteers to help staff the ferry
• Selling of t-shirts, license plates and other ferry merchandise
• Adjustments to ferry operating hours
• Improved signage to advertise the ferry on nearby roadways

“The ferry is a national historic treasure, but it will take the ongoing effort of everyone in the community to ensure its survival for the next generation,” Doyle said. 

The public can email their ideas to Doyle as well.