Post by ferryfast admin on Apr 10, 2005 22:38:59 GMT -5
Ferry "Likely" Won't Sail 'Til June
4/10/2005 11:00 PM
(Rachel Barnhart, WROC-TV)
The fast ferry probably will not launch until June, missing the Memorial Day weekend target start-up. That's the word from the president of the Rochester Ferry Company Board, Ben Douglas.
"When we first said Memorial Day weekend, we said it could be earlier," said Douglas. "That's not likely. It's more likely that it's going to be maybe a couple weeks after Memorial Day."
The news angered Harbor Merchants Association president Lee Selover. "I'm really concerned with the whole thing. The tickets aren't on sale. They're not announcing the date. They're not doing anything... I think if they really knew what was going on they'd come out and tell us."
The city has been working on a plan to own and operate the vessel for five months.
Douglas says there are two major issues that have to be ironed out before tickets can be sold. The first is the city has to finalize a contract with operator Bay Ferries. The second is the city has to settle a dispute about the engine warranty.
Douglas says the city has been hesitant to set a date, because it does not want to let people down.
The ferry board meets Monday, and Douglas says nothing major will be decided.
"Nothing, nothing earth-shaking," Douglas said.
It's not clear what financial impact a June launch would have on the ferry. A new business plan, detailing Bay Ferries contract has not been made public. But ferry board member Ed Doherty told News 8 a few weeks ago that a month's delay would have serious implications.
Douglas says if the boat launches in June, it's not a big deal. "If the actual launch is two weeks after (Memorial Day), the season is still in front of us."
Selover, whose restaurant and bar picked up business while the ferry was running, says he's worried about the city's planning.
"This city's very excited about this ferry, but if they keep on hiding things, and putting things off, everyone's going to lose interest," he said. "And then, forget it. Might as well sell it to the Turks."
The ferry board meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall. It is open to the public.
4/10/2005 11:00 PM
(Rachel Barnhart, WROC-TV)
The fast ferry probably will not launch until June, missing the Memorial Day weekend target start-up. That's the word from the president of the Rochester Ferry Company Board, Ben Douglas.
"When we first said Memorial Day weekend, we said it could be earlier," said Douglas. "That's not likely. It's more likely that it's going to be maybe a couple weeks after Memorial Day."
The news angered Harbor Merchants Association president Lee Selover. "I'm really concerned with the whole thing. The tickets aren't on sale. They're not announcing the date. They're not doing anything... I think if they really knew what was going on they'd come out and tell us."
The city has been working on a plan to own and operate the vessel for five months.
Douglas says there are two major issues that have to be ironed out before tickets can be sold. The first is the city has to finalize a contract with operator Bay Ferries. The second is the city has to settle a dispute about the engine warranty.
Douglas says the city has been hesitant to set a date, because it does not want to let people down.
The ferry board meets Monday, and Douglas says nothing major will be decided.
"Nothing, nothing earth-shaking," Douglas said.
It's not clear what financial impact a June launch would have on the ferry. A new business plan, detailing Bay Ferries contract has not been made public. But ferry board member Ed Doherty told News 8 a few weeks ago that a month's delay would have serious implications.
Douglas says if the boat launches in June, it's not a big deal. "If the actual launch is two weeks after (Memorial Day), the season is still in front of us."
Selover, whose restaurant and bar picked up business while the ferry was running, says he's worried about the city's planning.
"This city's very excited about this ferry, but if they keep on hiding things, and putting things off, everyone's going to lose interest," he said. "And then, forget it. Might as well sell it to the Turks."
The ferry board meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall. It is open to the public.