In a dramatic move to make the Causeway Bike Ferry financially sustainable while also expanding service, Local Motion will be implementing the following big changes this season:
¢ More service: Weather permitting, the Bike Ferry will run 10am to 6pm every weekend and holiday from July 3 to Labor Day September 6 - a total of 22 days, up from the 8-13 days of service in past 7 years.
¢ Higher fares: We are suggesting a $10 donation per round trip. A reduced donation of $6 is suggested for Colchester & South Hero residents, Local Motion members, children 12 and under, and one-way riders.
¢ More volunteers: To minimize costs, we will be reducing our on-site staff and depending more on volunteers. We need to fill over 200 volunteer shifts! Email Bob to sign up: [email protected].
Why the changes? In the past, with a suggested donation of just $5 per passenger, contributions covered only one-third of the ferry s costs. Securing supplemental grants and sponsorships has become more difficult in this economy.
To keep the ferry going, we need passengers to help a little more. Support the ferry by riding the ferry. Every 100th rider gets a prize! Our goal is 5,000 passengers to come join the fun and ride Vermont s most beautiful bike trail.
What is the Bike Ferry? This pedestrian and bicycle ferry connects a 200 water gap in the historic marble railroad causeway in Lake Champlain - the most spectacular part of the 14-mile Island Line Trail that unites the Burlington Bike Path, the Colchester Causeway and the Allen Point Fish and Wildlife Access Area in South Hero. The ferry operates in rain but not in severe weather or high-wind conditions. Check www.localmotion.org for the ferry status. For those driving to the trail, please park at Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero or Airport Park in Colchester and bike to the trail. More information is at: www.localmotion.org.
Charters Available: Pre-arranged charter crossings are available for groups on days that the ferry is not scheduled to run. Contact [email protected].
Ferry Sponsors: The Underwriting Sponsor is VBT Bicycling Vacations.
Other sponsors include: Earl s Cyclery & Fitness, Switchback, Old Spokes Home, Twincraft Soap, Specialized and Marble Island Marina.
Thank you to our partners: Town of South Hero, Town of Colchester, City of Burlington, Vermont Agency of Transportation, Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the South Hero Recreation Path Committee.
Source: Local Motion 6.14.2010