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© Nils van der Burg

Wightlink, a ferry company, is bidding to make improvements to its Hampshire terminal. As per its application, the ferry company plans to refurbish its current docking area at Undershore Road in Lymington to cope with its fleet of taller ferries. Council bosses on the Isle of Wight say that dock improvements are vital to economic growth on their Island, but officers of the Secretary of State have split opinions on the ferry company's desire to install new passenger ramps and a linkspan. The New Forest District Council (NFDC) is not commenting due to uncertainties over maintenance in the river. Now the plan of the ferry company is up for discussion at a public inquiry to be held in October.

The ferry company's appeal emerges from the fact that foot passengers cannot walk up the covered gangway that links the waiting area with the old C-class vessels. They have to use the same route as cars, coaches and lorries while getting on and off the new vessels, which is risky.

© mattcatpurple

A new ferry route began operating in New York City, connecting Brooklyn and Queens with Wall Street and Manhattan via the East River. An East River Ferry pass costs $4 but will be free for the first 12 days. The ride offers a scenic view of the city and it's faster than the circle line.

Several different boats operate on this new route from New York Waterway, including the old model Peter R. Weiss, which lacks air conditioning and needs replacement windows. The much newer Christopher Columbus features posh touches like upholstered seats and armrests. Passengers on the new route tend to get a little too excited and lean over the railings to watch the boat's wake. This draws a reprimand from the ferry operator who warns them they risk falling off the boat into the water.

© Wonderlane

The Port Townsend ferry route in Washington state has added a new boat, the MV Salish, despite the financial difficulties the state system has been facing. The MV Salish will undertake its inaugural sailing next week with plans to begin Whidbey Island service along with the MV Chetzemoka.

The ferry service has been refurbishing their old boats and building new boats like the Salish as well. They claim that ridership is growing on the route due to the increased capacity. Boats will now leave terminals at Port Townsend and Coupeville every 45 minutes, and this will be the first time Port Townsend has had dual ferries since 2007. Peak times for the route are during midday hours, and in order to offer expanded service hours the state would need to provide funding for an additional crew.