Edward Owen: Obvious Ocracoke solutions

Regarding the Aug. 31 news article “Will new Ocracoke ferry fix long lines, tourism losses?”: It’s obvious that both the DOT and the Ocracoke authorities have their heads in the very sand that now delays ferries, severely curtailing the number of visitors to the enchanted island.

They’ve had three years since the routes changed to work out how to regain tourist revenue. But Ocracoke now has to wait another two years before passenger-only ferries link Hatteras with Ocracoke Village where Swan Quarter and Cedar Island ferries already dock.

The Hatteras ferries dock 14 miles away at the uninhabited end of the island. The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association spokeswoman admitted that passengers can actually easily embark for free at Hatteras, parking their cars there (avoiding three-hour queues), but she blithely tells them they have “a 14-mile walk” if they want to get to the village. Charming!

So why don’t the authorities put into service now the trams they promise for the passenger-only service in two years time? It’s a no-brainer! The additional revenue to the island would pay for the rides. Like carless Bald Head Island, bicycles and golf carts are already for rent for further exploration.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Edward Owen: Obvious Ocracoke solutions."