Ferry service brings $30 million price tag

Prince William transportation officials say a commuter ferry is possible, but it is going to cost big money.

County officials have been exploring using the Potomac River for getting workers into Washington, and from Maryland to Fort Belvoir in Virginia. But the results of a new feasibility study released Tuesday state that $30 million in improvements are needed before the first boat launches.

The study examined the potential for ferry service between Prince William and Fairfax counties in Virginia and Prince George's and Charles counties in Maryland.

Three potential ferry routes were studied: one from Woodbridge to the Anacostia waterfront in Washington, one from Marshall Hall, Md., to the waterfront and the last from Marshall Hall to Fort Belvoir.

The one-way trip from Woodbridge to Washington is expected to take an hour, while the trip from Marshall Hall will take half that time, according to the study. A one-way trip from Marshall Hall to Fort Belvoir -- connecting Maryland commuters to the Army base -- would take about 10 minutes, and is considered the most viable route, according to the study.

The $30 million needed for improvements, such as river dredging, docks, parking lots, sidewalks and passenger waiting areas, would need to be paid for with local government funds, said Prince William County transportation director Thomas Blaser.

The ferry would cost $4 million per year to operate, with fare collection going to offset $1.5 million of the anticipated costs. If approved, the service could be implemented in as soon as three years.

"I think two years would be a little optimistic, so I think anywhere between three to five years to begin the service would be a good estimate, if it is approved," said Blaser.

The study anticipates eight boats will be needed to start service, with all of them making about 20 roundtrips per day. The boats originating in Prince William would carry 99 passengers, cruise at about 34 mph and include amenities such as wireless Internet access, TVs and a snack bar.

High waves, fog, ice, river debris and other boaters could pose problems for the ferries, slowing service, according to the study.

The fare structure would work similarly to that of Virginia Railway Express, at $11 for a round trip ticket. In order for the service to be viable, it will need to carry 141,300 passengers each year, according to the study.

While the operating costs for the ferry are significantly less than costs for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission or VRE, Blaser said a study still needs to be completed to see if there is a market for such a commuter ferry. Much of that market could be commuters moving from Maryland's southern counties into Northern Virginia.

Commuters are mixed on the ferry idea. Some who live in Fredericksburg but take the VRE to work in Woodbridge said a ferry would be an alternative to the riding the train, say there would be a bigger market for it in Stafford County.

Manassas resident Kenny Orwigg rides the VRE from Woodbridge to Alexandria, to his job as a federal patent clerk. He wasn't too thrilled about taking a ferry, especially if he has to pay to ride it.

"The government subsidizes my ride to the point to where I almost ride for free," said Orwigg.

Ashley Kirkland slugs from a Woodbridge commuter lot to her job as an interior designer, in Washington. She said the having a ferry would be nice, but she wouldn't use it.

"I slug into every day," said the 24-year-old. "I mean it's free. What better deal is that?"

Uriah Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.