The Economic Times

North Carolina collected about $2 million in ferry fares but spent $1.4 million collecting them; a new state law requires tolls on all ferry routes

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 routesincluding the historically free Hatteras-Ocracoke routewith proposed toll rates aimed at funding vessel replacements. However, these may fall short in covering ongoing operational costs.