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

FOR RELEASE: June 27, 2013

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

DOT Announces New Fares on Connecticut River Ferries

      Following two public meetings in May to discuss increasing fares on the two Connecticut River Ferries, Commissioner James P. Redeker is announcing that fares will be raised in two stages.  The first increase will be on July 8, 2013, 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,” stated Commissioner Redeker. “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 substantial public comments and suggestions, the fares will be raised in two stages to reflect stakeholder concerns.  Under the plan announced today, as of July 8, 2013:

·         Fares for walk-on passengers and bicyclists will be increased from $1 per crossing to $2

·         Weekday vehicle fares will be increased from the current $3 per crossing to $4

·         The weekend fare for vehicles will be increased from $3 to $5.

·         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

·         The price for the 20-ticket Discount Coupon Book will be increased to $60.

      Commissioner Redeker noted that a Strategic Business Plan was developed in consultation with the Connecticut River Ferry Task Force, a group of concerned citizens. Many of the recommendations from that effort have been implemented. The Department has installed new road signs that direct the public to the “Historic Connecticut River Ferry.”  In addition, new environmentally compliant engines were installed in both the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry and the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry.