NORTH CAPE MAY — Delaware River and Bay Authority Commissioners (DRBA) approved a new fare schedule for the Cape May – Lewes Ferry at its monthly meeting Feb. 17.
Effective April 1, the new ferry fare schedule is expected to stabilize the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s operating deficit, which was approximately $9 million in 2008. The 2009 fare increase, which averages 6 percent, is projected to generate gross income of approximately $14.9 million.
According to a press release: in 2008, like many transportation entities, economic conditions adversely affected the Cape May – Lewes Ferry operation as fuel prices skyrocketed.
Not only did that contribute to a vehicle traffic decline of approximately 7.5% over the previous year, but in addition, the ferry system experienced approximately $1.1 million in additional expense for its own fuel.
As a result, DRBA Commissioners also authorized the implementation of a fuel surcharge. The fuel surcharge will be effective when the price the authority pays for marine diesel fuel rises above the 8-year trend in price.
“If fuel rises above $2.50 per gallon in 2009, the ferry will implement a $1 surcharge per vehicle for each 25 cent increment above this amount. The surcharge is designed to pass along a portion of the increased cost of fuel to the customer,” said Jim Walls, DRBA Chief Operations Officer. “The price we are paying for fuel for the ferries is currently about $1.47 per gallon.”
According to Walls, the agency continues to focus on the ferry operating expenses without sacrificing customer service.
“The ferry has continued with its program to consolidate operations. In November 2008, we consolidated marine operations from two entities operating on both sides of the bay to one group located in Cape May,” he said.
In January 2009, the reservations call center was reorganized and relocated from New Castle, Del. to Cape May merging that operation with our customer service department. All of these moves are designed to eliminate duplication and streamline the operation while offering greater flexibility to allow for more efficient peak season service,” said Walls.
DRBA has amended the summer ferry schedule, which, while reducing the total number of crossings, also offers management the ability to operate additional departures through “back trips” as necessary.
“Back trips make use of the same crew to do another round trip when customer demand is strong,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Operations for the Cape May Lewes Ferry. “We strongly encourage customers to use our free reservation service, either through our website at www.cmlf.com (where discounts are offered) or through the reservation office at 1-800- 643-3779. This guarantees customers a space onboard and also gives us a better indication of whether back trips will be needed.”
The new ferry fare structure:
• Car, SUV, pickup truck less than 20 feet, Nov. to March: $29.50. April to Oct.: $36, peak season: Memorial Day to Labor Day Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: $43.25.
• Return-Trip Value Fare: Nov.-March: $25.25, April to Oct.: $30.75, peak: $31.75
• Motorcycle: Nov.- March: $24.25, April-Oct.: $30.75, peak: $36
Return-trip Value Fare: Nov-March: $21.25, April to Oct and peak.: $26.50.
Discount Book of six tickets (all vehicles less than 20’ length) $153 all year.
Discount Book of six tickets (commercial vehicles): 15% off scheduled fare.
Discount vehicle tickets: not valid Saturday, Sunday or Holiday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Vehicle and foot passengers: under six years of age: free.
• Children, age six to 13: Nov.- March: $3.75, April to Oct. and peak: $5
• Return-Trip Value Fare: Nov.-March: $2.75, April-Oct. and peak: $4
• Fourteen years of age and older: Nov.-March: $7.50, April-Oct. and peak: $10
• Return-Trip Value Fare: Nov.-March: $5.25, April-Oct. and peak: $8
• Discount book of six adult tickets: $43.50 all year.
All return trip value fares must be purchased with initial sailing
Reservation fees and discounts: Internet reservation fee discount is $2. Non-refundable reservation cancellation fee is $5.
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