Check out the website for the Ferry here:
I sent them this open letter
Hello folks,
I am excited to take the Rochester/Toronto Ferry this spring, and I wish you well in this business venture.
As a Toronto Cyclist who looks forward to easier access to Rochester, and to the New York State Canalway trail system http://www.canals.state.ny.us/exvac/trail/, I am pleased that your website specifies the rate for bikes at $10 US, plus passengers at $20. That is entirely reasonable, and I intend to use it.
I am also concerned about the current lack of public transit plans for pedestrians. This demands public discussion. Cabs are an option. But Toronto is very bicycle-friendly, and a bike trail passes right near the docks, that safely heads straight for the heart of downtown and our lovely waterfront.
http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/cyclingmap_2003.htm
Why not take advantage of that trail? For example, if you were to announce a change allowing bikes to board for free, (still charging $20 for their riders, as for foot passengers) that could have a very positive impact on the public perception of your service, and it could help reduce your overall environmental impact.
An SUV, riding your ferry at only $40, (plus passenger fees) can weigh what, 5000 pounds? A bike, at $10, maybe 30 pounds. Would not allowing bikes for free be justifiable also in terms of your hard costs, such as fuel consumption and space usage?
I am happy to pay the fee for my bike. But I just hope that somehow, your service can help promote healthful recreational opportunities between our two fine cities, and not simply shuttle more traffic (and pollution) between us.
I look forward to discovering Rochester on my bike, and to making some friends on the other side of the lake.
All the best,
Vincent de Tourdonnet
Musical Theatre Writer/Director
416-536-5225
[email hidden]
http://www.geocities.com/vdetourdonnet/
393 1/2 Roncesvalles #2
Toronto, ON M6r 2N1 Canada
Sent to The Toronto STAR [email hidden]
And the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle [email hidden]
POSTED TO http://www.cyclingforums.com/f75
Sent to The Toronto STAR [email hidden]
And the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle [email hidden]
POSTED TO http://www.cyclingforums.com/f75