Max Schulte for The New York Times
The Rochester ferry, a catamaran, cost $42 million. The passenger fare to cross Lake Ontario was $30.
Rochester, NY Google maps
Posted on 01/16/2006 8:08:06 PM PST by neverdem
ROCHESTER, Jan. 13 - Last month, Anthony Alleyne arrived at the Lake Ontario shore hoping to catch a high-speed ferry to Toronto, the last trip of the season. He thought he had more than enough time, but as soon as he walked into the terminal, he saw, to his dismay, the ferry pulling away without him.
Mr. Alleyne, 52, wasn't mistaken about the time; the ferry did leave a few minutes ahead of schedule. "I wanted to catch that ferry," he said. "It was the last one. It's sad."
Many Rochesterians now feel the same. On Tuesday, they learned that the popular but unprofitable ferry service would cease. Rochester's new mayor, Robert J. Duffy, declined to request an additional $11.5 million in financing for the 2006 season, saying it would be a poor investment given the city's continuing struggles with problems like joblessness and violent crime.
"There is not one iota of doubt it's the right decision," Mr. Duffy said Friday. "It was years away from breaking even."
Rochester embarked on the ferry project in hopes of becoming an international tourist destination and invigorating its economy. After years of negotiations, two entrepreneurs brought a gleaming $42 million catamaran to a new terminal at Rochester's lakefront in 2004. The ferry, which crossed Lake Ontario to Toronto in two and a half hours, was popular with local residents, who accounted for the majority of ticket sales. Many would even come to the shore just to watch it pull out.
The venture was fraught with problems from the beginning, though. The ferry came by sea from Australia, where it was built, but once it was in New York City, it banged into a dock. Later, its engines malfunctioned. The mishaps meant costly repairs and interrupted service.
The ferry service operated just the one...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Rochester, NY Google maps
Check what NY's junior Senator had to say at Reverend Al's. FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.
Waste of money from the get go, why in God's name would they start with such a huge boat?
Was it a payback for one of Louise Slaughters contributors? One can only speculate.
I really hope that some sort of serious investigation is launched to make sure no underhanded backroom shenanigans took place to get this boondogle going. On its face the whole thing reaks and I can't understand how 6 of 7 council members agreed to float Johnson's boat.
Remind me never to go into business with the mayor.
Outside the ivory tower of the governmental wishcasters, this project never had a chance of succeeding.
best dang chicken wings anywhere !
some of the finest wine country, fishing, finger lakes, hunting, hot rodding, snow mobiling, farmers markets, grocery stores, and history galore
the taxes stink - but the people are wonderful hard working folks - just stay out of the city proper after 4pm - suburbs are extremely safe -
I noted youre from mendon after I posted - howdy neighbor -
Gay Community Outraged!
I didnt include the "Little Theater" on that list for a reason
They went to the extremes and stayed away from reality. We don't have to wonder why New York is in the condition it is. This was a good idea in concept.
They should have gone just a tad bit smaller, like half. I live on Grand Island just outside of Buffalo, the local boats that leave here struggle to get enough to survive. I never would have gone for something like this at all. my site
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