The future fare of the Algiers Point-Canal Street ferry will be the issue-at-hand in a meeting on Thursday, The Advocate reports. Veolia, the company in charge of running the show at the Regional Transit Authority, is proposing a $2 toll each way for all passengers crossing the Mississippi River. Some feel this charge is too much for low-income workers who use the ferry to get to work in New Orleans. "I think $2 is too high for our population," said Fay Faron, founder of Friends of the Ferry.
Tipster Zach says all of this "ferry nonsense" has made him question his decision to buy a house in Algiers Point. "I'm afraid to guess what my house would be worth if the ferry disappeared completely."
Because the ferry, which costs $3.1 million per year to operate, is no longer funded by the Crescent City Connection tolls, hours were drastically reduced and the Gretna ferry was permanently docked. Zach says he knows many service industry folks, on both sides of the river, who have lost regulars due to the slashed ferry hours. "I've heard some renters say they won't be renewing their leases and I know the owner of the local B&B is losing business." The ferry now makes its last trip at 6 p.m. on Sundays, 6:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
After the RTA said they weren't interested in taking over ferry operations, Veolia stepped in. They said that even with the addition of an Algiers Point-Canal Street fare and charging more for the Chalmette ferry, they would still need more loot to make things cost effective.
· RTA To Discuss $2 Fare for Algiers Ferry on Thursday [The Advocate]
· Will You Pay? Algiers Ferry May Have Fare [Curbed NOLA]
· Friends of the Ferry
Loading comments...