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Ti Ferry to close

Ticonderoga, New York - January 1, 2010

More bad news for commuters affected by the loss of the Champlain Bridge. Now the closest ferry service is shutting down.

The Ti Ferry that runs between Ticonderoga, N.Y., and Shoreham, Vt., will stop running at the end of the day on Sunday. The cable ferry normally closes during the winter, but agreed to stay open after the bridge closed to help get commuters back and forth across the lake. But now the company says it has not been able to secure marine insurance beyond Jan. 3 and so it plans to suspend operations.

A new temporary ferry service is under construction near the demolished bridge. But it is not expected to be open until the end of January.

In the meantime, VTrans and the NYSDOT say the following transportation alternatives are available for travelers:

Ferry Service:

The Essex/Charlotte Ferry remains open and is operating 24 hours per day. There is no charge for passengers during this transportation emergency. A schedule can be found by visiting www.ferries.com.

Bus Service:

New York Service North (AM) to the Essex Ferry: From Ticonderoga NY to the Essex NY two buses are running - originating from the Ticonderoga WalMart at 4:25 A.M. and 5:25 A.M. Pickup locations along the way include: Crown Point (Sacred Heart Church), Port Henry (Nu-Way), Port Henry (Dock Street), and Westport Fairgrounds, arriving at Essex Ferry at 5:50 A.M. and 6:50 A.M. Beginning Monday, January 4, public transportation in New York via Trailways will be available to the Essex ferry dock, with connecting service in Vermont. Buses in Vermont will take riders to several stops within Addison County, including Northlands Job Corps, Goodrich, Main Street Vergennes and the greater Middlebury area. Return trips later in the afternoon are also available. NYSDOT will post flaggers in Essex to direct bus traffic to the ferry should the traffic become heavy.

New York Service South (PM) from the Essex Ferry: From Essex NY to Ticonderoga NY will run two buses originating from the Essex Ferry Dock at 4:30 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. Drop-off locations along the way include: Westport Fairgrounds, Port Henry (Dock Street), Port Henry (Nu-Way), and Crown Point (Sacred Heart Church).

Service from New York to Vermont (AM) through Whitehall NY: One bus will run from Crown Point NY to Vermont (business locations). The bus originates at the Crown Point (Sacred Hearts Church) at 5:45 A.M. with a stop at Ticonderoga WalMart at 6:00 A.M., then on to the following Vermont locations of Middlebury College 7:45 A.M., Porter Medical Center 7:50 A.M., and Goodrich Aeronautical 8:15 A.M. An additional bus through Whitehall to major employers in Vermont will be added if needed.

Service from Vermont to New York (PM) through Whitehall NY: One bus will return from Vermont (business locations) to Crown Point NY. Bus originates at the Goodrich Aeronautical at 4:00 P.M., Porter Medical Center 4:30 P.M., Middlebury College 4:35 P.M. and arrives in Ticonderoga, NY 6:20 P.M., and Crown Point NY (Sacred Hearts Church) 6:35 P.M.

Dial-A-Ride Service in Vermont:

Dial-A-Ride service from Charlotte Ferry to Burlington VT: This service is available, but requires 24-hour advanced notice. For more information or to schedule a ride travelers may call 1-802-878-1527.

Dial-A-Ride and Fixed Route service from Charlotte Ferry to Vergennes VT: Dial-A-Ride service is also available, and requires 24-hour advanced notice. For more information or to schedule a ride travelers may call 802-388-1946 or visit the website at www.actr-vt.org.

For further information on the bus schedule, travelers may call Trailways at 800-858-8555.

Travelers are advised to check the various ferry websites as well as www.aot.state.vt.us and www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge for information on schedules.