CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: April 5, 2013

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that it will be holding two public meetings regarding plans to raise the fares on the two Connecticut River Ferries starting July 1, 2013.  The increases are necessary to offset the rising operating costs that have occurred over the years. Fares have not been raised since 2003.

      Under the proposal, effective July 1, vehicle fares will be increased from the current $3.00 per crossing to $6.00.   Fares for walk-on passengers and bicyclists will be increased from $1.00 per crossing to $2.00.  The price of the Discount Coupon Book that now costs $40.00 for a book of 20 coupon tickets (a 33 percent savings) will be increased to $80.00 (also a 33 percent savings).

      "We are committed to maintaining the ferry operations serving tourists, commuters, pedestrians and bicyclists alike,” stated Commissioner James P. Redeker. “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 two public meetings on the fare increases will be held:

·         May 20, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Rocky Hill Community Center, Room 1

·         May 22, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Chester Meeting House

      Commissioner Redeker noted that a Strategic Business Plan was developed in consultation with the Connecticut River Ferry Task Force, a group of concerned citizens. Several of the recommendations from that effort have been implemented. The Department is installing new road signs that will direct the public to the “Historic Connecticut River Ferry.”  Significantly, 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 November 30. The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry season is from May 1 to October 31.