North Carolina Approves Tolls for Four Ferry Routes to Fund Vessel Replacement
The North Carolina Board of Transportation has approved new toll rates for four previously free ferry routes: Hatteras-Ocracoke, Currituck-Knotts Island, Bayview-Aurora, and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach. These tolls will go into effect on January 1, with revenues intended to fund the…
Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, November 6, 2026 — The North Carolina Board of Transportation has greenlit new toll rates for four ferry routes that were previously free of charge. The decision will impact services connecting Hatteras and Ocracoke, Currituck and Knotts Island, Bayview and Aurora, and Cherry Branch and Minnesott Beach.
The implementation of these new tolls is scheduled to commence on January 1. According to board documents, the revenue generated from these tolls is designated for the crucial task of funding the replacement of aging ferry vessels within the state’s fleet.
The following routes will begin charging tolls:
- Hatteras-Ocracoke
- Currituck-Knotts Island
- Bayview-Aurora
- Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach
In an effort to support frequent travelers, commuter passes will be made available. Eligibility for these passes is extended to North Carolina residents and active-duty military personnel.
The board’s action aims to address the ongoing maintenance and modernization needs of the state’s ferry system, ensuring continued operation and service reliability through investment in new equipment. Specific details regarding the new toll amounts were not immediately available in the provided summary. The exact financial figures for the projected revenue and the cost of vessel replacement were also not specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Staff Report on coastalreview.org, see more information here.
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