FERRY-SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS: PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION FOR LONG ISLAND SOUND FERRY CROSSINGS

The Long Island Sound Ferry Service Improvement Study was initiated in March 1980 to identify possible ways to improve ferry services between Long Island and Connecticut. The events leading to legislation proposed for introduction in the New York State Legislature, which detailed a mechanism for achieving expanded cross-Sound ferry service for residents of the region, are described. The history of previous bridge and ferry crossing studies is reviewed, and the principal findings and issues of the current study are presented. The study featured technical work conducted primarily by staff of the New York State Department of Transportation and establishment of a bistate Policy Advisory Committee representing local officials, businessmen, and citizens' groups. A series of public forums was held that enabled decisionmakers to be aware of public views on the issues. Financial recommendations included the creation of a bistate commission that would oversee and assist in promoting expanded, coordinated ferry operations. (Author)