DOT Ferry Tolls Proposal Draws Ire on OBX

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Credit ncdot.org

Ferry terminal on Ocracoke Island

Some of the budget cuts under consideration by state lawmakers could lead to increased tolls for ferry services on the Outer Banks. The state Department of Transportation has come up with budget options for the state Ferry Division. One proposal would charge a 10-dollar toll for ferry services that are currently free, and double the price of other ferries. Residents of Ocracoke Island aren't happy with that idea.

John Bone is the president and CEO of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce:

"The free ferry to Ocracoke has been free forever and it's the only way they have to get to their island without having to pay a substantial toll."

More than 850,000 passengers used that ferry last year. It's the busiest ferry service on the Outer Banks. The DOT says the tolls would raise more than 10-million dollars a year. A House subcommittee meets tomorrow to consider transportation issues, including budget cuts to the state Ferry Division.