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Post by mikey on May 9, 2007 8:12:16 GMT -4
Hello McFly !!! The Emporer has no clothes.
This idea is stupid on so many levels.
Group Says Ferry Could Cut Bay Bridge Traffic
(AP) ANNAPOLIS, Md. There's a move afoot to give commuters an alternative to the Bay Bridge.
Urban planners and elected officials say a high-speed ferry could connect Kent Island with Annapolis and Baltimore and keep some cars off the bridge.
They tested the idea with a 22-minute powerboat trip between Matapeake State Park on Kent Island and City Dock in Annapolis. The group envisions two passengers-only boats charging one-way fares from $7 to $12.
Supporters say they will look for federal funds for a nine-month trial.
According to the group, the ferry could take 200 cars each day from the Bay Bridge.
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Post by Rich Fisher on May 9, 2007 9:40:05 GMT -4
I can't see how anyone would think that people would drive out of there way to a ferry, wait in line to board, wait to launch, pay between $7-$12 to take 22 minutes to get across where you then will have to wait to de-board.... If they plan the hours right, it could be a fun touristy thing at best, but it won't do anything for commuters unless you happen to work right downtown in Annapolis and work normal hours - and use it as a walk-on.
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Post by ljp on May 9, 2007 11:27:58 GMT -4
I saw that on the news last night. They said from City Dock to Kent Island the high speed boat (by the way it was a fishing boat they used) took 22 minutes (obviously a larger boat needed to transport a lot of people would need to be larger and thus take more time!) The news report I saw said however a ferry for cars is not part of the plan only a 'future consideration'. You're right Rich, who is going to take that for a trip to the beach with all of their kids and luggage? Not to mention, you have to leave 50 fight the traffic to downtown Annapolis, find parking, etc., etc. ... it seems like it would only benefit tourists and those working nearby City Dock. Are these the folks clogging up 50 on a Friday?
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Post by mikey on May 9, 2007 11:59:08 GMT -4
It would be cool if Annapolis toursist could ferry over and take the shuttle bus into Historic Stevensville for a unique shopping and dining experience.
Who has 10 million to spend on a revitalization effort?
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Post by baycitydan on May 9, 2007 12:14:25 GMT -4
Yeah, it's too bad that the *town* of Stevensville has nothing in it but a few antique stores, a bakery that never seems to be open, a dive bar, bike store, cult church, and some goats. I hope that the new restaurant that is supposedly going into the old Love Point Cafe building does well because it might spark some interest in the area. The new-ish brick crossings do look nice though.
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Post by jake on May 9, 2007 17:46:29 GMT -4
I must be missing something with this ferry idea. People going to the beach are suppose to fight their way to the city dock's on a Friday rush-hour afternoon. Then park and pay for parking for however many days; board a ferry for $12.00, go across the bay, get off the ferry, and do what? rent a car? hitchhike? pay for a bus ride to OC?? What pinhead government official thinks this idea has even a remote chance of being successful??
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Post by bchevy on May 9, 2007 17:46:42 GMT -4
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Post by falgar25 on May 9, 2007 20:29:25 GMT -4
THEN: According to the group, the ferry could take 200 cars each day from the Bay Bridge. So what is it? passengers only? OR 200 Cars per day? They probably mean that 200 people will use the ferry rather than drive to downtown Annapolis. Cars will stay on the island, people will use the boat. Something doesn't seem right with the 22 minute number. Maybe 22 minutes from the time the boat starts moving to the time it stops again. But when you add in the time it will take to board, brief the passengers, untie, dock, and unload, I'll bet it's more like 45 minutes. I also wonder what the Bay conditions were at the time, it isn't always like glass out there. I wonder how much it would cost to find a bus that could hold as many people as the high speed ferry. The travel time from the park and ride to Annapolis is about 30 minutes regardless of the weather and for all 12 months (not just the nine months mentioned for the ferry.) Also, the infrastructure is already there and a bus will be much less costly to maintain and operate. But hey, if I was as smart as the politicians.....
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