News Summary
A proposal to impose toll charges on coastal ferry routes in North Carolina has met fierce opposition from local governments, including the Currituck County Board of Commissioners. The plan aims to generate revenue for the Department of Transportation but has been criticized by residents who depend on free ferry services for essential travel. The proposed tolls on routes, including Knotts Island, could significantly increase travel costs for locals, raising concerns about accessibility and fairness.
Currituck County, North Carolina – A proposal by the North Carolina Senate to impose toll charges on all coastal ferry routes has ignited strong opposition from eight local governments, including the Currituck County Board of Commissioners. The plan aims to generate additional revenue for the Department of Transportation and the Ferry Division but faces criticism from residents who rely on ferries for essential travel.
The budget proposal, which has already passed the Senate with a 30-15 vote, includes specifics for toll rates on the current ferry routes. If enacted, the Knotts Island ferry, which has been free for nearly half a century, would charge tolls of $3 for vehicles under 20 feet, $6 for vehicles over 20 feet, and $1 for each passenger. The ferry was originally established to provide access for children from Knotts Island to schools in Currituck County.
In addition to the proposed fees for the Knotts Island ferry, tolls would see a significant increase on several existing routes, effectively doubling rates on routes such as the Swan Quarter and Cedar Island ferries. For the first time, tolls would be introduced on routes like Bayview-Aurora, Cherry Branch-Minnesott, and Hatteras-Ocracoke. Proposed tolls on these routes vary, with the Hatteras-Ocracoke route being the most expensive at $20 for vehicles under 20 feet and $40 for vehicles over 20 feet.
The projected revenue from these tolls is estimated to reach $6.4 million for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Generated funds are earmarked for the Ferry Capital Fund, which is crucial for the replacement of aging vessels in the state’s ferry fleet. Additionally, an annual commuter pass priced at $150 will be made available for regular users, allowing unlimited trips.
Local governments are firmly against the tolls and argue that imposing such charges places an unfair financial burden on Knotts Island residents, who depend on the ferry for daily commuting. The lone alternative route between Knotts Island and the mainland involves a much longer drive through Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, highlighting the ferry’s vital role in the community’s connectivity.
The budget bill will now move to the House for consideration and is expected to be finalized by the General Assembly by the end of June 2025. Critics of the proposal, including some state lawmakers, assert that ferry routes should be regarded as integral components of the highway system and therefore, should not be subjected to tolls. Recognizing the financial challenges for ferry operations due to rising costs, supporters of the tolls argue that the plan is necessary for ongoing maintenance and operational funding.
Under the proposed plan, tolls can be suspended during state emergencies, providing a safety net for affected residents. As local governments rally against the toll charges, the debate over the future of tolls on North Carolina’s coastal ferry routes continues, illustrating the tension between revenue generation and community needs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina Senate Proposes Tolls for Ferry Routes
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: Ferry
- WTKR News
- Google Search: N C ferry tolls
- Washington Daily News
- Google Scholar: north carolina ferry tolls
- News & Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ferry transport
- WITN News
- Google News: ferry routes North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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