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NCDOT will hold a final public hearing next Wednesday in Pamlico County -- and accept public comment until Thursday, Feb. 16 -- on its plans to set higher rates for ferry tolls and commuter passes starting April 1.

Under orders from the General Assembly, NCDOT will start charging tolls on two commuter ferries now toll-free, and it will increase rates collected on three ferries where riders pay now (see 1/11/12 story with reader comments and more in 1/4/12 blog post - and more comments and photos with 2/5/12 story).

At the Feb. 15 meeting in Grantsboro, DOT officials will hear public comment after they outline the options they're considering:

Currituck - Knotts Island (Currituck Sound)

Free ferry, 45 minutes. Will remain toll-free.

Swan Quarter - Ocracoke (Pamlico Sound)

Toll $15 for car & driver. 2 hours 30 minutes.

Proposed new toll $25 to $33, plus possible $5 passenger fare.

One-year commuter pass (now $150) proposed $300, $400 or $500.

Hatteras - Ocracoke (Hatteras Inlet)

Free ferry, 40 minutes. Will remain toll-free.

Bayview - Aurora (Neuse River)

Free ferry, 30 minutes.

Proposed new toll $10 or $12 for car & driver, plus possible $2 passenger fare.

Proposed one-year commuter pass $200, $400 or $500.

Cedar Island - Ocracoke (Pamlico Sound)

Toll $15 for car & driver. 2 hours 15 minutes.

Proposed new toll $25 to $33, plus possible $5 passenger fare.

One-year commuter pass (now $150) proposed $300, $400 or $500.

Cherry Branch - Minnesott Beach (Neuse River)

Free ferry, 20 minutes.

Proposed new toll $4 or $7 for car & driver, plus possible $1 passenger fare.

Proposed one-year commuter pass $150, $400 or $500.

Southport - Fort Fisher (Cape Fear River)

Toll $5 for car & driver. 35 minutes.

Proposed new toll $10 or $12, plus possible $2 passenger fare.

Proposed one-year commuter pass $200, $400 or $500.

Here is the last public meeting location:

Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.

Pamlico Community College

Ned Everett Delamar Center Auditorium

5049 Highway 306 S., Grantsboro

For more info and to comment, DOT says:

For more information, contact Jamille Robbins, NCDOT- Human Environment Unit at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-1598, (919) 707-6085 or jarobbins@ncdot.gov. Additional written comments regarding the proposed project may be submitted to Robbins until Feb. 16.