Bi-State Coalition exploring ferry service to relieve congestion


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A regional coalition is exploring expansion of commuter ferry service on Long Island Sound as a way to relieve traffic congestion on the area's roadways. The Long Island Sound Ferry Coalition was formed earlier this year to provide a cooperative approach to improving ferry service on the Sound.

The Coalition, which met in September, includes approximately 80 participants representing public agencies, private ferry operators, academic institutions, professional and municipal associations, boards and task forces, and local community groups. The group is in the early stages of its effort to look at ferry service enhancement. "We're still in the discussion phase," said Gerry Bogacz, Assistant Director of the Planning Group at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council.

The Coalition grew out of meetings held in 1998 by organizations and agencies that were interested in talking about potential impacts of expanded ferry service. A scan session was held at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Commission in February of 1998 to identify current ferry operators, search for relevant regulations, and begin to talk about the possible effects of service expansion on waterborne and land-based facilities. Broader discussions took place during a second meeting held in June 1998 at the Housatonic Community Technical College.

The Coalition's September 15 meeting included discussion of a draft scope of services that will serve as the foundation for a request for proposals (RFP) to attract potential consultants. When the Coalition finalizes the scope, as it hopes to during its December meeting, the RFP will be distributed to prospective consultants. The consultant with the winning proposal will work with the Coalition to develop a master plan for expanded ferry service.

"We need to plan a foundation for future services," said Bogacz. "We'll review the regulations that affect waterborne transportation. And we will hold parallel conversations with Federal agencies on funding." Bogacz indicated that the Federal Maritime Administration and Federal Transit Administration might have some interest in helping. (The ferry services currently serving the region are privately operated without public subsidies.) Bogacz said the Coalition also needs some basic market research and wants to develop a data clearinghouse.

At an upcoming meeting, Coalition participants will also identify which organization will serve as the project sponsor. Connecticut's South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) has played a leading role, so far. "The metropolitan planning organizations bring a lot of people to the table," Bogacz observed.

SWRPA Executive Director Tanya Court said there is "a dramatic need on the part of the business community to get high-speed ferry service in order to attract workers and enhance airport access." She added that ferry service is one element in the Governor's 15-point congestion relief plan for southwestern Connecticut. His initiative would use ferries to draw 250 peak hour commuters off the road.

"I think it has a lot of interest from the cities," Court added. "Stamford has pursued federal funds for a ferry terminal. Not all communities are looking to host ferry service, however, so they all need to be part of the process."

The Coalition has a lot of work ahead, Court agreed. "We need to know the market, plan the routes, identify docking facilities, look at different vessel technologies to determine what's most appropriate for Long Island Sound. A number of stakeholders are involved. The Coalition is laying the blueprint for the services that will be needed."

"We also still need to come up with Federal funding for the study process," Court noted, "and that will be discussed in December. If everything gets resolved at that meeting, the RFP should hit the street in early January. Getting a consultant on board will probably take about three months."

While many questions and issues remain to be addressed, the Coalition is moving as quickly as it can to look seriously at the feasibility of expanded ferry service. "It's all part of our strategy to provide commuters with choice," said Court.