RiverLink Ferry To Get New Owner
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - The seasonal RiverLInk ferry service between Penn's Landing and the Camden waterfront will soon have a new owner.
The Delaware River Port Authority has wanted out of the ferry business for the last few years. They've giving the ferry to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, rather than selling it for $300,000, in order to avoid paying back some $130,000 in federal grant money.
DRPA CEO John Hanson says the feds gave their consent to the deal:
"They were fine with it because the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation was an approved entity and it would still be used for the same purpose."
Over 170,000 people rode the RiverLink last year from spring through fall.
Hanson says this move serves the interests of both agencies as well as ferry passengers:
"We believe that this move is going to improve ferry service. We think that it'll strengthen the bond between the Camden and Philadelphia waterfronts."
DRWC Vice President for Operations Joe Forkin noted that his agency operated the RiverLink for the DRPA last year, and plans to "try to expand the service in general and then capture more partners and more ridership and add a better transportation function for the region."
This year's season is set to begin with weekend service on May 1st, followed by daily runs starting on the Memorial Day weekend.
The business transaction is expected to close next month.
