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Cape May – Lewes Ferry Introduces New Fare Schedule - Creates New Senior Citizen and Military Fares; Reduces Off-Season Rates

- Private group -
May 8, 2014

                (New Castle, DE) Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced a revised fare schedule for the Cape May – Lewes Ferry, which introduces new passenger fare classes for military personnel and senior citizens and reduces vehicle fares in the off-season.  The revised rate schedule is designed to encourage ridership among two key demographic groups and to attract more ferry customers in the off-season.  The revised fare schedule is effective on May 23, 2014. 

According to Heath Gehrke, Director of Operations for the Cape May – Lewes Ferry, the revised fare schedule is responsive to customer feedback.  “Our senior customers, a very important segment of our traveling customer, asked for this senior discount, and we listened,” Gehrke said.  “Similarly, we increased the discount, and increased its availability for our active-duty military customers.  We’re hopeful that the new senior fare classes will encourage more seniors to use the Ferry to explore the other side of the Delaware Bay, and we’re happy to recognize the service to our country by the members of our military. ” 

Effective May 23, ferry passenger rates for members of the military and senior citizens (aged 62+) will be $8 one way and $6 for the return trip between April and October.  These new fares represent more than a 10% discount compared to the current adult passenger rate.

The revised fare schedule also reduces off-season vehicle fares by $3, a 10% savings.  The fare roll back is aimed at locals who comprise a major part of the ferry’s customer base during the off-season.  Gehrke noted that the roll back in off-season vehicle rates and the reduced fares for senior citizens and military personnel are the first fare reductions since 2005.

Passenger and shuttle fares are unchanged.  Discount book of ticket categories are also unaffected.  The revised fare schedule is projected to be revenue neutral.  To support the new passenger fare classes and off-set the vehicle fare rollback in the off-season, a new “High Season” vehicle fare category will go into effect Monday through Thursday during July and August.

The Ferry continues to provide an alternative for drivers looking to take a rest from long hours of driving, avoid traffic jams on Baltimore/Washington expressways, and while providing all travelers a relaxing way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Delaware Bay. 

The following link leads to a complete table with the revised fare structure at the Cape May - Lewes Ferry (CMLF): http://www.cmlf.com/SchedulesandFares/Fares/tabid/109/Default.aspx

About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962.  The Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 43 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2013, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 275,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers.  For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779.  Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CMLFerry.

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