North Ferry seeks rate hike: Details to come next week - Shelter Island Reporter timesreview.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timesreview.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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A fare increase of $1 to $2 on the North Ferry on Shelter Island appears to have the backing of local lawmakers. The ferry service is one of two routes across the Peconic Bay to mainland Long Island.
North Ferry General Manager Bridg Hunt lobbied Suffolk County legislators this month to make his case for hiking up rates.
Hunt said the company has been struggling since 2017 to meet expenses without increasing fares, but the pandemic was the last straw.
Lawmakers support Hunt’s request for an up to 3% increase in an operating budget review last month.
They also commended the ferry service for offering some relief to residents who are struggling financially.
North Ferry poised for public hearing on rates: Approval anticipated timesreview.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timesreview.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
North Ferry General Manager Bridg Hunt (Credit: Beverlea Walz)
Just prior to the May 20 informational meeting for residents on North Ferry’s rate hike request, a report on the issue from the Suffolk County Legislature was released. The county’s Budget Review Office determined that the increase is “reasonable” in view of the company’s 2020 financial results and projects for 2021.
“The current rate structure is insufficient … to meet the costs of its capital and operating expenses,” according to the report.
“The requested fare increases have merit, and although will not eliminate the risk of an operating loss, should provide sufficient capital for maintaining current levels of service for the public,” the report concluded, saying the request for rate relief should be granted.