Delaware Bay Ferry Gets a Makeover

In a hope to boost lagging ridership, a ferry connecting two states got a makeover.

Delaware River and Bay Authority officials hope upgrades to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry will help boost ticket sales.

Gov. Jack Markell and other dignitaries rechristened the Cape Henlopen on Monday. Director of Ferry Operations Heath Gehrke says renovations to three of the four vessels in the fleet include improved seating for customers, Wi-Fi access, flat-panel televisions, new floors and an improved concession stand.

The renovations cost about $800,000.

Ferries carried 779,000 passengers between Cape May and Lewes in 2011, a third less than its ridership of 1.16 million 10 years earlier.

Ticket prices have gone up in recent years to make up for declining ridership. Officials say they will remain the same for now, but an increase might be considered in the near future.

During the peak summer season, a car costs $44 each way to cross the Delaware Bay on the ferry. Passengers cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 6 to 13 and free for younger kids.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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