To compete with rising South Ferry fares, North Haven could use its own catapult.
It costs $10 per car on the South Ferry one-way from North Haven to Shelter Island, and $12 round-trip. But a Newsday report reveals a plan to increase fares for the second time in five years, pending approval by the Suffolk County Legislature.
The hike would boost one-way fares for small vehicles up to $12 and round-trip up to $15– a $5 per mile increase for the .4-mile trip. Meanwhile, residents' 10-trip ticket books would increase from $45 to $50 for one-way (a $1.25 per mile increase) and $47 to $52 for round-trip ($0.63 per mile), while foot passengers' fares would stay the same.
South Ferry credits steady increases in oil prices and the need for a new $1.9 million boat capable of floating 18 cars to replace the 76-year-old Captain Ed Wright. So a trip to Shelter Island from the South Fork requires paying more for gas AND tickets. Therefore, it's time to begin exploring new options. Here are a few alternative methods of traversing the Shelter Island Sound that we'd like to see play out:
- Shelter Island Bridge and Tunnel Authority: If U.S Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska was close to getting $453 million for the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere," then maybe U.S Representative Tim Bishop should start pulling some strings or get in touch with that developer who proposed building the Cross Sound Link Project that would connect Rye and Syosset.
- Mass-investment in aquatic self-transportation: $100-$250 for a wetsuit plus $30-$50 for flippers or fins from Sunrise to Sunset Surf & Dive in Southampton may be a wise buy that pays off in the long run as you tone your bod in the Shelter Island Sound. It shouldn't be that hard to get yourself a bargain on a kayak either.
- North Haven Catapult: Take flight for a great ride with a great view that is way faster than any ferry ride or swim. There are enough architectural experts on the East End to comprise plans for an environmentally-friendly and traveler-convenient contraption. Think about it, it could work.
A public hearing on the ferry fare increase will take place in Hauppauge at 2:30 p.m. on March 4. We encourage you to be there to discuss the proposed alternatives and more.
Give in and take the ferry.
Give in and take the ferry. Shelter Island is an untouched beauty. Most people that drive to Shelter Island are just going to the North Fork. Those, like myself, who have taken the time to go over to this peaceful "little" island have discovered a serenity offered nowhere else in the Hamptons. As much as I hate raising rates, if it protects Shelter Island from the onslaught of development and chaos which has enveloped the rest of our "American Riviera" then I say go for it. Shelter Island represents what is left of the reason that the hordes come out here every summer. Build a bridge, it will all be gone.
Another option is to get the
Another option is to get the ferry from Montauk running and then there would be no need for a new boat. But if I had to choose from the above list, I would go with Build a bridge or tunnel after I Catapult across.
Sounds like someone hit
Sounds like someone hit there head on a rock while catapulting across to Shelter Island. If you built a bridge to Shelter Island, you wouldn't want to go there anymore. It's un-Hamptonny edge would be lost to yuppie idolitry.
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