Lake Champlain Transportation Co. Takes Ferry Transportation into the Future

Rates increase with little chance for a bridge

Story and photos by Adam Colver

As the sun shines off the lake with a slight wind blowing through your hair, it is a perfect time for a stroll on the top deck of the Plattsburgh-Grand Isle ferry. People have been doing this since the ferries first arrived on Lake Champlain in 1826 as a nice way to pass the time before arriving at your destination.

The Lake Champlain Transportation Co. has locations in Plattsburgh-Grand Isle, Port Kent-Burlington and Charlotte-Essex. The Plattsburgh-Grand Isle and the Charlotte-Essex crossings run year round with a 24-hour service.

As of January 23, the ferry rates have increased due to the health care costs of employees, fluctuating supplies; such as paint and the increased cost of doing business, said operations manager Heather Stewart at Lake Champlain Transportation Co.

The fare for car and driver rates increased to $9 one-way. Round trip increased to $16.50. Adult-passenger tickets increased to $3.50 and $5.75 for a round-trip. For seniors, the rate increased to $2.95. A child's ticket increased to $1.50 for one-way and $2.50 for round-trip. The fare for adult walk-ons increased to $4.50, and is $7 for a round trip. Fares also went up for motorcycles, buses, vehicles longer than 19-feet and vehicles larger than 8-feet-wide. The largest increase is for round-trip bus and driver, which increased to $42.50.

Dana Nichols has been working with Lake Champlain Transportation Co. since 1999. "It hasn't been bad. The non-regulars complain, many of the regulars have commuter passes," she said. Commuter passes can be purchased with cash or check at the docks in Plattsburgh or Grand Isle. If paying by credit card, one would have to contact the home office in Burlington. "The commuter passes can save you 33 percent off the regular ferry rates," Nichols said.

Captain Ed Gelinas has been working for Lake Champlain Transportation for 40 years. He is currently the captain of the Vermont ferryboat and has navigated at all three docks in his career. Captains have licenses to conduct the ferries across the lake. "I had to attend the Maritime Academy to take the test and be approved for the license," Gelinas said.

The Vermont Ferry has been on the lake since 1993. It was built for the harsh winter weather and icy conditions that are found in this part of the lake. A skig, which is a thick metal bar at the front and rear of the ferry, breaks ice to clear the path for a smooth crossing. According to Gelinas, at the Plattsburgh-Grand Isle crossing the lake has a natural oval shape, or bottle neck, that keeps the ice from the channel that the ferries cross.

Two diesel engines power the boat from the docks. On each side of the helm, it has its own set of controls for each engine, and there is a set of back up engines. The Vermont ferry is 196-feet-long and can carry between 42 and 48 passenger cars. And it has a carrying capacity of 350 people.

Each boat carries four crew members, the captain, two deck hands and a mechanic. The deck hands deal with customer service, as well as the loading and unloading of vehicles. Trevor Ewald, a dock man, has been working for Lake Champlain Transportation for three years. "I enjoy working here - I just look forward to the summer months," he said. The wind can be very harsh for passengers and workers during the winter.

Michael Mackenzie of Lake Champlain Transportation Co. takes tickets to go to Vermont.

Proposals to connect Plattsburgh and the Grand Isle's by a bridge have been a topic of discussion the last couple of years. A bridge, much like the Champlain Bridge in Rouses Point, has not been approved though. "I don't think you will ever see it," Gelinas said. "The Plattsburgh side would love it, but it is not feasible, there is not enough volume of traffic."

For now the Lake Champlain Islands and Plattsburgh will remain a boat ride away. So, sit back and enjoy the sun, the water and the great views from the ferry deck.

Would you like to see a bridge connecting Plattsburgh and the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont?

Safety First

The Lake Champlain Transportation Co. has to follow strict U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The U.S. Coast Guard inspects the vessels four to five times a year, and they also receive a full inspection yearly. Minor repairs are done on site. If intensive repair is needed the ferries are moved to a dry dock in Shelburne, Vermont.

Due to U.S Coast Guard regulations, ferries must remain one ferry length away from each other while crossing. This is known as a one whistle crossing.

While bringing a boat into the dock Gelinas said, "It is harder on a calm day than it is on a windy day. The wind resistance helps slow the boats down." On windy days a two whistle crossing is necessary depending on the severity of the wind.