Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Bay Ferries Back in Action?
Posted Jan. 27, 2023
Years ago—as in 60, 70, 80—large passenger/car ferries traversed the Chesapeake Bay and back. Before there was a Bay Bridge, these ferries were the way to the Shore, and the Atlantic vacation beaches beyond. But as the first steel-span bridge was built across the Chesapeake, then a second, those ferries faded into the history books. Today, there are a few working ferries in and near Chesapeake waters, including those running between Oxford/Bellevue, and the famous Cape May-Lewes vessel.
But that may change. And two very recent events hint at their resurrection. First, a five-county tourism consortium spearheaded by Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) began accepting proposals to determine the feasibility of initiating sustainable passenger ferry service to connect key Maryland destinations along the Chesapeake Bay. Learn more about these plans here.
Then, just yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced $384.4 million in federal funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for expanding and improving the nation’s ferry service in communities across the country, as well as accelerate the transition to zero emission transportation. “This funding will benefit millions of Americans—from Alaska to Michigan to Maryland—who depend on coastal waters, rivers, bays, and other bodies of water to connect to their communities,” the Dept. of Transportation release stated.
“With these grants, we are improving and expanding ferry service in the communities that rely on waterways the most—often in more rural, remote regions—connecting people to jobs, services, and city centers while cutting climate pollution,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
What do you think about a return to ferries crossing the Chesapeake Bay? Traffic reliever or nautical nuisance? Novel idea or never-again?
Here’s what you said:
Good idea. Good transportation and could be an enjoyable trip just for fun.
—Steven Kubisen, Annapolis
Love the idea of ferries, especially for folks traveling across the bay for recreation. Within the past year I visited a waterfront town in a different state with ferries constantly running back & forth during weekdays - pedestrians, bikers and cars all loaded on and for a very nominal charge (something like $1 or $2 per pedestrian) one transported across. It made a routine bit of travel fun, and might be implemented at different spots across the bay for much less than billions on new spans.
—Cedulie Laumann, Crownsville
I think this is a brilliant thought. I would certainly consider it IF: it were reasonably priced, able to bring cars on it and was absolutely direct from one shore to the other. Time involved would be essential. And of course, meets all safety requirements. Thank you.
—Kellie Woodall, Annapolis
I live near Reedville, VA but own a store in Saint Michaels, MD. I would love to see a ferry from Reedville to Crisfield. The trip takes me 4 hours and lots of hectic traffic. If it's rush hour on bridge add another 30-60 minutes. If I wanted to go to Chincateague or Ocean city this would be great.
—William Acosta, Heathsville
Ferry crossings at critical places on the Chesapeake is an excellent idea in that it would 1) provide some relief to the terrible traffic congestion on and around the Bay Bridge 2) allow more efficient travel to areas the Bay Bridge doesn’t service such as southern Maryland to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
—James Fitzgerald, Chester
This is a good idea. Rather than building a new bridge span to bring more traffic to Kent Island, which cannot handle the traffic it already has, create ferries. These can begin and end at less travelled destinations. They could reach the shore close enough for bikes, buses or trains to transport people the rest of the way to the beach, alleviating traffic and reducing emissions!! Ferries can also be an attraction because for some it will be fun!! Hmmm- and the possibility of more jobs. Seems like a win win!
—Kimberly Agee, Centreville
Having a ferry service from Kent Island to Annapolis would be wonderful. Parking in Annapolis can be difficult to find at times.
—Diana Goldsby, Centreville
I think it's a GREAT idea for many reasons such as providing relief to the Bay Bridge congestion problems especially during spring and summer vacation months, reduce fuel emissions, and provide tourists an enjoyable scenic ride over the Bay Bridge to the eastern shore! I fully support this initiative!
—Penny Prue, Sudlersville
Ferries will provide an option to reach Chesapeake Bay destinations without a car (and provide an option for people under the driving age and with handicaps that prevent them from driving). This will encourage multi-modal transportation . They provide a recreational and commuting option while relieving traffic on the Bay bridge.They will provide an experience connecting people more closely (literally) to the Bay than driving over a bridge 186 feet high. Ferries will support the economy at landing areas through restaurants, markets, bicycle businesses, and other recreational and tourism related businesses.
—Jackie Guild, Edgewater
Impractical for cross bay automobile transportation. If a private organization would like to provide it as a tourist attraction it could be considered. It would have to be at no or minimal public cost.
—James Fons, Annapolis
Will there be an environmental impact assessment made or required? The thought of that natural view being invaded with noise, ferry traffic and pollution, leaked fuel into the bay, humans littering, etc., sounds like this is a "backward" not a "forward" move for the environment, health of the bay, and the balance of nature it supports.
—LM Wellstein, Bowie
YES!
—Barbara Cook, Easton
I think it's a good idea! We need an alternative to Route 50 and the Bay Bridge. I'll be watching to see where the proposed routes are.
—Maureen Curry, Easton
Unrealistic solution for the millions of travelers crossing the bay! No one will use it. Only good for tourists sightseeing.
—Margie Taneyhill, Severna Park
I am in favor of them restarting; however, not from the route 50 previous ferry location. Weekend traffic is already a nightmare in that area.
—Joan Caperones, Annapolis
I hope that we can bring back the ferries as a great experience for crossing the Chesapeake Bay and seeing the great towns and ports for the visitors to our great state.
—Robert Welday, Riva
I think they'd be great but I don't see them doing much to alleviate bridge traffic.
—Marc Knapp, Annapolis
YES to bringing back Chesapeake Bay auto ferries!!! While it may not alleviate summer beach traffic, it offers a new travel experience that is less stressful. Cambridge is uniquely positioned to receive a ferry from the western shore. $4 million was used to overhaul the wharf within the last 5-6 years. And CWDI (Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc.) is entertaining interest in the waterfront property, to which a ferry would be a welcomed boon to the local economy. I would ask the 5-county consortium to reach out to Dorchester/Cambridge officials to see if we can make this a reality.
Lynda Brooks, Cambridge
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