CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: September 13, 2013

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Service Extended Through November 30

                The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that the popular Connecticut River Ferry service between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury – the oldest continuously operated ferry service in America – will be extended for an additional month this year, through November 30.

                For years, the schedule has been May 1 – October 31. During public meetings held during the spring of 2013 on ferry fares, support was repeatedly voiced for extending the season, including an earlier operating date in the spring. The new season for the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will now be April 1 – November 30, the same as the Chester-Hadlyme  Connecticut River Ferry about 22 miles to the south. The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury service began in 1655.

                “Extending this service will benefit commuters and tourists alike,” said DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. “Our ferries attract travelers from across the state and around the country, and I am pleased that we have been able to make this service extension possible.”

                State Rep. Antonio Guerrera, D-Rocky Hill, Co-Chair of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee and among the ferries’ most ardent supporters, applauded the service extension, saying “This is great news for the region and the state as a whole. The historic Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is a unique and popular service for people going to and from work or just enjoying a scenic ride across the river.”

                State Sen. Steve Cassano, whose district includes Glastonbury, said the service extension is “an especially good idea because the Connecticut River is a great place to view our state’s classic fall foliage. I commend Commissioner Redeker and the DOT for this very smart decision.”

                Fares on the ferries are $4 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 per vehicle on weekends and $2 per walk-on passenger on all days.  Discount coupon books are available for vehicles at a cost of $50, for a book of 20 single ride coupons.  Fares to ride the Connecticut River ferries will increase beginning with the 2014 operating season to $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $6 per vehicle on weekends. Walk-on passenger fares will remain at $2 on all days.  The price of the discount coupon books for vehicles will increase to $60 for a book of 20 single ride coupons.

More on the Connecticut River ferries here: https://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1402&q=259246