Ferry Details

The Delaware River and Bay Authority

NEWS RELEASE February 18, 2009 For Immediate Release

Contact:

James Salmon (302) 571-6409

DRBA Commission Adopts New Cape May - Lewes Ferry Fare Structure Enables Fuel Surcharge; Average Fare Increases by 6% (New Castle, DE) On February 17, 2009, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Commissioners approved a new fare schedule for the Cape May - Lewes Ferry at its monthly meeting held in the James Julian Boardroom at the Authority’s Administrative Complex in New Castle, Delaware. Effective April 1, 2009, the new ferry fare schedule is expected to stabilize the Cape May - Lewes Ferry's (CMLF) operating deficit, which was approximately $9 million in 2008. The 2009 fare increase, which averages 6%, is projected to generate gross income of approximately $14.9 million. In 2008, like many transportation entities, economic conditions adversely affected the Cape May – Lewes Ferry operation as fuel prices skyrocketed. Not only did this contribute to a vehicle traffic decline of approximately 7.5% over the previous year, but in addition, the ferry system experienced approximately $1.1 million in additional expense for its own fuel. As a result, DRBA Commissioners also authorized the implementation of a fuel surcharge. The fuel surcharge will be effective when the price the Authority pays for marine diesel fuel rises above the 8-year trend in price. “If fuel rises above $2.50 per gallon in 2009, the Ferry will implement a $1 surcharge per vehicle for each $0.25 increment above this amount. The surcharge is designed to pass along a portion of the increased cost of fuel to the customer,” said Jim Walls, Chief Operations Officer for the DRBA. “The price we are paying for fuel for the ferries is currently about $1.47 per gallon.” According to Mr. Walls, the agency continues to focus on the ferry operating expenses without sacrificing customer service. “The Ferry has continued with its program to consolidate operations. In November 2008, we consolidated marine operations from two entities operating on both sides of the bay to one group located in Cape May. In January 2009, the reservations call center was reorganized and relocated from New Castle, DE to Cape May, NJ, merging that operation with our Customer Service Department. All of these moves are designed to eliminate duplication and streamline the operation while offering greater flexibility to allow for more efficient peak season service,” remarked Walls. In other news, the CMLF service has amended its summer schedule, which, while reducing the total number of crossings, also offers management the ability to operate additional departures through “back trips” as necessary. “Back trips make use of the same crew to do another round trip when customer demand is strong,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Operations for the Cape May Lewes Ferry. “We strongly encourage customers to use our free reservation service, either through our website at www.cmlf.com (where discounts are offered) or through the reservation office at 1-800- 643-3779. This guarantees customers a space onboard and also gives us a better indication of whether back trips will be needed.” The CMLF has also modified its popular Family Fun Cruise departing Lewes, moving it from its weeknight slot on Thursdays to Sundays. The Family Fun Cruise will continue to depart on Wednesday evenings from Cape May. Rock-The-Boat cruises, featuring live rock ‘n roll music, continue on Fridays, and the popular Cape May Zoo and Atlantic City tours will continue as well. “Staff is working on some new programs for 2009 as well, including some Stay-and-Sail programs, eco-tours, and other tours that focus on all the Twin Capes region has to offer,” said Gehrke. -more-

DRBA Commission Adopts New Cape May - Lewes Ferry Fare Structure, page 2

The following table represents the new CMLF fare structure: NOV-MAR

APR-OCT

PEAK*

VEHICLE & DRIVER Car, SUV, Van, Pick-up Truck (vehicles less than 20’ length) Return-Trip Value Fare

$29.50 $25.25

$36.00 $30.75

$43.25 $31.75

Motorcycle or Motorbike Return-trip Value Fare

$24.25 $21.25

$30.75 $26.50

$36.00 $26.50

Discount Book of Six (6) Tickets (all vehicles less than 20’ length) Discount Book of Six (6) Tickets (commercial vehicles)

$153.00 $153.00 15% off scheduled fare

$153.00

(Discount vehicle tickets: Not valid Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day). VEHICLE & FOOT PASSENGERS Under 6 years of age Children, age 6-13 Return-Trip Value Fare 14 Years of age and older Return-Trip Value Fare

FREE $3.75 $2.75

FREE $5.00 $4.00

FREE $5.00 $4.00

$7.50 $5.25

$10.00 $8.00

$10.00 $8.00

$43.50

$43.50

Discount Book of Six (6) Adult Tickets *Please note that all return trip value fares must be purchased with initial sailing BUS PASSENGERS Under 6 years of age Children, age 6-13 14 Years of age and older

FREE $1.50 $3.25

FREE $2.75 $5.25

FREE $2.75 $5.25

FERRY TERMINAL SHUTTLE FARES Under 6 years of age 6 Years of age and older

FREE $3.00

FREE $3.00

FREE $3.00

$2.00 $5.00

$2.00 $5.00

$2.00 $5.00

$33.75 $42.25 $49.75 $61.25 $84.50

$41.25 $49.75 $57.00 $69.75 $93.00

$49.75 $60.25 $68.75 $84.50 $113.00

RESERVATION FEES & DISCOUNTS Internet Reservation Fee Discount Non-Refundable Reservation Cancellation Fee OTHER VEHICLES & DRIVER 20’ to under 25’ 25’ to under 35’ 35’ to under 45’ 45’ to under 60’ More than 60’

* PEAK FARES valid from Memorial Day to Labor Day - Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. TICKET EXPIRATION: Purchased ferry tickets expire two years following purchase date.

The Cape May - Lewes Ferry operates year round and has carried more than thirty-nine million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. The ferry service, connecting the Victorian Cape May, New Jersey and historic Lewes, Delaware, transports approximately one million passengers and 320,000 vehicles annually. For more information on the ferry service, please visit www.cmlf.com. ###