Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Electric Ferry & Circulator Bus Coming to Annapolis
Last week, the Annapolis City Council approved—by a 9-0 vote—the allocation of $1.5 million from the city budget to purchase an electric ferry, electric circulator bus, electric passenger vans, and build infrastructure at City Dock and a street end in Eastport for docking and charging stations. The plan was hailed by Mayor Gavin Buckley as “a small plan for a small city that will pack a big punch.” Only the Maritime Advisory Board voiced concerns about the project, citing the high price tag for the items, disruptions to current ferry/taxi operations, and infrastructure/flooding issues. Buckley says the project is a pilot program that the City can abandon if needed.
What do you think about going electric for such services in the City of Annapolis? Do you think the city will set an example by which others may follow?
Here’s what you said:
Do it!! We are an historic city that needs to move into the 21st century with its services.
Marie Friedland, Annapolis
Great that we are moving to electric vehicles. We live by the bay, so we should minimize pollution going into bay; runoff and air.
Adding electric vehicle charging in communities is also a need. Far too little sites in condo communities or in public areas.
Annapolis should lead this trend.
Steven Kubisen, Annapolis
I am all for a pilot project to try out new venues for public transportation. I have to swallow hard at the budget, but trial projects generally have a higher implementation cost, and if successful, expanding the program should have a lower per unit cost.
One hopes that thought and planning has gone into any lithium disposal costs, and in the case of the ferry, that the batteries are sealed to avoid any pollution to the harbor and creeks, should there be an unintended sinking. One also hopes that in both cases, that the implementation includes multiple units so that consistent and constant service be available, using the off hours for recharging. Especially with the ferry/s, care needs to be taken so that there is no electricity leakage into the water, coupled with sacrificial zincs to protect boat owners in the area.
Robert Irwin, Churchton
Seems ridiculous to spend money on an electric ferry and infrastructure for charging stations when Annapolis' harbor is already serviced by several commercial water taxi and harbor cruise operations. I do agree with the idea of an electric circulator bus system for downtown so long as ridership is free.
Samuel Woodside, Annapolis
Electric isn't just the wave of the future. It is here now. This is the responsible move for the city to do and a very worth while investment in the environment. I applaud the City for moving in this direction. A model for her cities.
Pam Siemer, Annapolis
I see another Main Street bike lane boondoggle coming.
Jerry Peterson, Annapolis
Overdue changes that help Annapolis and the region assume a leadership role in protecting our environment - we totally support these efforts.
Melanie Gerber, Deale
Sounds interesting but what is it? Land or water?
Barbara Morris, Annapolis
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