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04/10/2018 12:00 AMWhile in recent years the Chester-Hadlyme ferry has made regular appearances on the state’s budget chopping block, the ferry is this month back on its route, though now the debate is not whether to keep the service, but instead, how much it should cost.
The state Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently proposing a $1 increase to the car fare for both the Chester-Hadlyme and Rocky-Hill Glastonbury ferries. The current vehicle rates adopted in 2013 are $5 on weekdays, $6 on weekends, and $60 for a coupon book of 20 tickets. In addition to the $1 per car increase, the proposal would increase the coupon book cost to $80.
The DOT is also considering fare increases to bus, rail, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services as well as service reductions to the New Haven Line, New Canaan Line, Danbury Line, Waterbury Line, and Shore Line East rail services. The DOT stated that no bus or ADA paratransit services reductions are proposed at this time, though the region’s 9 Town Transit District has warned of both fare increases and decreased service if state funding is reduced. (For more information, visit estuarytransit.org.)
Following a public comment period earlier this year, DOT is reviewing the community feedback and will take it into consideration when approving the final service and fare proposal.
The DOT has completed its Service and Fare Equity Analysis and will post the final determination of the proposed fare changes and service cuts at ct.gov/dot/farecomments.
In 2011, residents rallied to save the ferries from proposed elimination, citing their historic status and benefit to tourism. The Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferry was started in 1655 and is believed to be the oldest ferry in the country. The Chester-Hadlyme ferry was crossing the river during Colonial times.
The Chester-Hadlyme ferry operates Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can carry eight to nine cars per crossing. The operating season runs from April 1 through Nov. 30.