Ferry ridership increases in 2012

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Ridership on the Hampton Roads Transit's paddle-wheel ferry has surged to more than 377,000 customers in 2012.

According to Alexis Majied with HRT, this is a 28.8 percent increase over the fiscal year 2011. This dramatic increase is partly due to the participation of the U.S Coast Guard as part of the Go Pass 365 Program, Majied said. This allows customers to ride for free when a flat fee is paid up front.

Another factor contributing to the increase was OpSail 2012 and Harbor Fest, Majied said. Throughout the event, more than 32,000 customers sailed between Norfolk and Portsmouth waterfronts. This is compared to the 15,823 customers during the 2011 Harbor Fest.

For the first time in a decade, all three ferryboats are in service.

For more information about Hampton Roads Transit and its services, click here .