North Carolina collected about $2 million in ferry fares but spent $1.4 million collecting them; state law still requires a free route to Ocracoke Island

North Carolina collected about $2 million in ferry fares but spent $1.4 million collecting them; state law still requires a free route to Ocracoke Island

The ferry system in North Carolina is vital for community connectivity and goods transportation, but it is currently facing significant financial hurdles. Fare collection expenses are considerable, compromising a major share of revenue and sparking sustainability concerns. New legislation has enforced tolls across all ferry routes—including the historically free Hatteras-Ocracoke route—with proposed toll rates aimed at funding vessel replacement…