The Currituck County Board of Commissioners is voicing strong opposition to proposed ferry toll rates scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027, citing concerns about the financial impact on residents, access to essential services, and the long-term viability of ferry service to Knotts Island.
The Board is particularly concerned about the impact on middle and high school students who rely on ferry transportation to attend school and participate in extracurricular and educational activities. Additional toll costs could create barriers for students and families who depend on this service.
The Board also questions whether projected toll revenue would justify the administrative costs, potential declines in ridership, and added financial burden on residents. Reduced ridership could further jeopardize the long-term sustainability of the Currituck-Knotts Island ferry route, which provides a critical connection for the community.
While maintaining its opposition to toll implementation, the Board urges state officials to consider measures that would minimize the impact on residents. These include exemptions for student drivers and income-eligible residents; flexible commuter passes; continued availability of double and triple commuter passes and resident priority passes; free passage for walk-on passengers; and exemptions for government and emergency service vehicles. The Board further encourages the state to prioritize cost-recovery measures that affect non-resident and seasonal tourism traffic rather than residents who depend on ferry service for daily transportation.
Additionally, the Board supports delaying implementation until the State Auditor’s Ferry Division Performance Audit has been reviewed and its findings considered. Allowing time for this review would help ensure that operational efficiency, financial implications, and impacts on affected communities are fully evaluated before a significant policy change is implemented.
