State Holding Hearings on Controversial Connecticut River Ferry Rate Hikes

The state's Department of Transportation will hold public meetings starting next week on a controversial proposal to double rates on the Connecticut River ferries. 

In Rocky Hill, the public meeting will take place May 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rocky Hill Community Center, Room one.

In Chester, the public meeting will take place May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chester Meeting House.

The DOT wants to increase fares on the Rocky-Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, and Hadlyme-Chester Ferry, from $3 to $6 for a one-way crossing per motor vehicle.

The last time ferry rates were raised was back in 2003. 

However, residents and local officials are opposing the move, saying it could kill ferry traffic, including tourist traffic, and ultimately kill the historic ferry service.