North Carolina’s ferry system serves a diverse population along the coast and is an important transportation link, supporting thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of employee earnings and tax dollars (ITRE, 2020). The research team employed geospatial analysis, a series of stakeholder engagements, and site visits to explore and assess the feasibility of passenger ferry opportunities as existing and new locations. Additionally, the research team assessed the impacts and benefits of the Ocracoke Express and found that it supports dozens of jobs, generates millions of dollars in business output, and supports over one million dollars in earned wages.
To assess the feasibility of various passenger ferry routes, the research team analyzed total travel time, travel time in comparison to driving with and without estimated traffic, met with stakeholders and citizens to gain further insight into feasibility, and conducted several site visits. Furthermore, the research team created ArcGIS dashboards as well as a matrix of potential feasibility indicators such as travel time savings and current and future demand. The combination of these sets forth a clear framework for future assessment of ferry sites and routes by NCDOT and communities.
