LEWES, Del. - The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) has announced a virtual public hearing aiming to address potential fare changes at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. These changes, primarily due to inflationary pressures, aim to strike a balance between necessary increases and strategic reductions to benefit family and multi-trip travelers utilizing the bi-state agency's southern crossing facility.
Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations, highlighted the intent behind these periodic fare adjustments, emphasizing the goal to streamline the ferry's operational costs while making travel more economically feasible for families and frequent travelers. "This year, we're taking a unique approach by hosting a virtual public hearing, allowing us to engage with our guests directly and gather their valuable feedback, something we haven't done previously. We're eager to hear the public's perspectives."
Details of the Event
The DRBA will conduct a virtual public hearing via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, Dec. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. This hearing serves to inform stakeholders about the objectives and aspirations tied to the proposed fare alterations at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.
Participating in the Hearing:
To participate in the virtual public hearing, interested individuals are required to register at www.cmlf.com/2024fareproposal. Upon registration, participants will receive an email link providing access to the public hearing hosted on Microsoft Teams.
Purpose of the Initiative
Fare revisions occur biennially to mitigate the operating subsidy of the ferry service and introduce various fee adjustments and incentives. The DRBA encourages public involvement to gain insights and opinions on the proposed fare concepts scheduled for the upcoming year. This collaborative approach aims to shape the future fare structure while considering the needs and perspectives of ferry users.
The DRBA invites all stakeholders, frequent travelers, and interested parties to join this pivotal virtual session and contribute their thoughts, ensuring that the proposed fare modifications align with the community's expectations and requirements.