Town of Frye Island - Ferry Policy & Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

The Town of Frye Island Maine is a unique seasonal community located in Sebago Lake. The closest accessible point of land on the mainland is on the southerly end of Raymond Cape Road in the Town of Raymond, Maine. In order to accommodate residents and guests, and to provide materials, equipment and emergency services to all in need, the Town of Frye Island operates two ferries that transport vehicles and passengers between the ferry terminal on the Raymond Cape Road and the ferry terminal located on the Island. The ferries operate daily from April to November. The normal round trip from the mainland takes about 15 minutes.

The two ferries are very close to identical. They were constructed by Blount Marine, in Rhode Island, in 1968 and 1970 respectively. The vessels have basic flat-bottom barge-type hulls and are powered by twin diesel engines. Each ferry is approximately 26 feet wide and 64 feet long and weigh approximately 75,000 pounds. They can typically transport up to (nine) 9 passenger cars per trip. For safety reasons, we require that all passengers remain in their vehicles.

The following general guidelines apply to the Ferry operation:

The Town of Frye Island uses a multi-colored ticket system for access to the ferry. Each ticket provides for one (1) round trip. Tickets are collected on the mainland prior to departure. The color system has been established as follows: BLUE TICKETS: The blue ticket is a discounted ticket for use by Frye Island property owners in good standing. (i.e. no outstanding taxes, fines or other fees). The blue tickets must be purchased in minimum blocks of five (5) tickets and must be purchased at the town office. RED TICKETS: The red ticket is a discounted ticket used for residents, non-residents and contractors. The red ticket must be purchased at the town office. GREEN TICKET: The green ticket is for residents, non-residents and contractors and can be purchased at the mainland ferry terminal prior to boarding the ferry. WHITE TICKET: The white ticket is for walk-on passengers and can be purchased at the mainland ferry terminal prior to departure. PINK TICKET: The pink ticket is a complimentary ticket used for the employees of the store / cafe and for individuals doing work for the Island. It can be obtained at the Town Office. Charges and Fares
	White Ticket Walk On	Blue Ticket Property Owner	Red Ticket	Green Ticket
Ticket Price	$5.00	$7.00	$16.00	$20.00
All cars, passenger vans, standard body pick-up trucks and motorcycles		1 ticket	1 ticket	1 ticket
Non-Standard Body Pick-up (see definition 1below)		2 tickets	2 tickets	2 tickets
Dual Rear Wheels		1 Ticket	2 Tickets	2 Tickets
Dual Rear Axles		3 tickets plus 1 per each additional axle	3 tickets plus 1 per each additional axle	3 tickets plus 1 per each additional axle
More Than Dual Axles		3 tickets plus 1 per each additional axle	3 tickets plus 1 per each additional axle	3 tickets plus 1 per each additional axle
Trailer		1 ticket per axle	1 ticket per axle	1 ticket per axle
Tracked Vehicle (see below)		3 tickets	3 tickets	3 tickets
Pedestrians & Bicyclists	1 ticket
Public Utilities Commission regulated services (CMP, Phone) and those suppliers who deliver Energy products			NO FARE
Vendors supplying goods or services to the town (includes service to Golf Club, General Store and Maintenance area).			NO FARE
Island Employees (during working hours)			NO FARE
Store Employees (during working hours)			NO FARE
Security, Rescue & Fire Vehicles			NO FARE
Septic Tank Truck			NO FARE
Non-Medical, Non-Emergency Unscheduled Run (see # 8 on next page)		EXTRA FARE

(1) Dual wheeled standard pick up trucks owned and driven by Frye Island property owners will be allowed access with one (1) blue ticket. This does not apply to duel wheeled flat-bed, stake body, dump body, oversized campers, other oversized chassis / body trucks, motor-homes or recreational vehicles.

Note: Fire Department personnel will require a ferry ticket when not responding to an emergency situation.

A Non-Standard Body Pick-up truck is a Pick-up truck or any other truck equipped with an oversized flatbed, stake body, dump body, or camper. This also includes other oversized chassis/body types including Motor-Homes and RV's.

All commercial or contractor vehicles, employed by or delivering to a property owner, MUST use a non-resident ticket. Blue discount tickets can not be used for this fare.

Protruding loads from any vehicle may, upon the determination of the captain, require an additional charge.

Tracked vehicles must be transported by trailer unless special precautions are taken and approved by the ferry captain.

Tickets may not be left at the ferry landing.

To schedule a special ferry run outside of scheduled operating hours for non-medical, non-emergency reasons call the ferry crew prior to the last run of the day to request and/or schedule a special run.

A. The charges for this run will be as follows:

1. For transport from the mainland to the Island:

Cost is $30.00/vehicle/ 1/2-hr for any portion of a half-hour, plus the appropriate

ticket.

(Example: Ferry used for 1/2-hr. Cost = $30.00 plus the appropriate ticket(s)).

(Example: Ferry used for 1-1/2 hrs. Cost = $90.00 plus the appropriate ticket(s)).

(Example: Ferry used for 1-1/2 hrs for 2 vehicles. Cost =$180 plus appropriate tickets).

2. For transport from the Island to the mainland:

Cost is $30.00/vehicle/ 1/2-hr for any portion of a half-hour. This fee must be paid in cash at the time of transport.

(Example: Ferry used for 1 hr. Cost = $60.00)

(Example: Ferry used for 1-1/2 hrs. Cost = $90.00)

(Example: Ferry used for 1-1/2 hrs for 2 vehicles. Cost = $120)

7. If there is a vehicle waiting to be taken off the Island during an unscheduled, non-

emergency, run and there is room on the ferry, the vehicle will be taken off at no charge.

8. Special ferry runs for pedestrians are permitted for island property owners only. The charges

will be the same as for vehicle.

9. Emergency vehicles WILL NOT be charged for using the ferry.

Modular Home Transportation

The following conditions for transporting Modular Homes to Frye Island were approved by the Board of Selectmen on June 25^th 2002. **** Modular homes can only be delivered to the Island before June 15^th and after September 15^th****.

Delivery must be coordinated with the Town Manager first and then the Ferry Director.
Delivery will by allowed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday only.
Delivery will not be allowed during periods of low lake water levels.
There is a 30 ton limit per load.
The owner must check with the ferry captain on delivery day to insure weather conditions are acceptable.
Only one load at a time is allowed on the ferry access road.
Modular homes must use a dedicated second ferry for delivery to the Island.
The cost for the ferry is $2000.00 for up to 8 hours use. Payment must be made in advance.

Weight & Size Limitations

We have found it necessary to limit the number of heavy vehicles, such as cement trucks and gravel trucks, allowed on the ferries for safety considerations and to prevent damage that could occur to the gantry system. With these heavy vehicles on the ramp they cause the gantry system to approach its maximum travel limits. The potential for damage increases as the lake level decreases. Once the lake level goes below an elevation of 263 ft., we have found it necessary to prohibit these heavy vehicles from using the ferries altogether. Above a lake level of 263 ft, we have established the following limits:

1. Cement Trucks – Limit one per trip, maximum of 4.5 yards of concrete.

2. Dump Trucks – Limit two per trip, maximum of 7 yards per vehicle sand, gravel, or stone.

3. No more than two of the above type vehicles may be on the Ferry at any one time (only one of which may be a concrete truck).

4. General weight limit all vehicles – 40 tons.

5. Eighteen wheel tractor-trailers will be limited to a gross total weight of 40 tons. A special fare of $80.00 will be applicable for any vehicle requiring special loading due to size and weight.

6. A Bill of Lading identifying the gross weight of the vehicle may be required before using the ferry.

Safety Information

All passengers travel on the Ferry at their own risk.
Ferry operators are not responsible for vehicle damage.
State Law prohibits the drinking of alcoholic beverages on the Ferry.
Maximum vehicle speed while loading and off-loading the ferry will be 5MPH.
After boarding the Ferry:
1. It is the responsibility of a driver of a motor vehicle to place transmission either in park for automatic or in gear for manual.
2. Engage emergency or mechanical break.
3. Turn off engine.
4. Remain in vehicle.
5. Wait for unloading instructions from the Ferry crew.
During hours of dusk and darkness vehicle headlights and interior lights should not be used when loading, off-loading or while ferry is underway.
Trips may be cancelled due to unsafe weather, lake conditions, or mechanical failure.

Medical / Emergency Procedure

FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911
Identify yourself to the dispatcher, give your address and state the nature of the emergency.
The dispatcher will ask pertinent questions to insure the nature of the emergency is fully understood and the appropriate emergency services are dispatched.
The dispatcher will notify the ferry and all other emergency response agencies.
Normal ferry operations may be suspended for the duration of the emergency situation.
During emergency situations, the officer in-charge of the incident will direct all operations.

KEEPING SCHEDULES

Except under unusual circumstances that prevent timely departure, the Ferry will leave the mainland on the scheduled time. The ferries will be loaded prior to the scheduled departure time and ready to depart on the scheduled time. The outside clock will be used to determine departure time. Once the ramp has been raised and the ferry leaves the slip, the captain will not be required to return to the slip for late arrivals.
When leaving the Island, call the Ferry Office (655-4258) at least 5 minutes before the scheduled run to insure the ferry will be leaving the mainland. The Ferry will not leave the mainland without a call for service unless vehicles are already waiting on the mainland side.
When a second boat is in operation, departure times from the mainland will be every 15 minutes.
The published schedule will be waived if the ferry cannot accommodate all the vehicles that have arrived on time for a particular run. This applies to both the mainland and the Island terminals. In this circumstance, the Ferry will make an immediate additional run(s) to accommodate these passengers. This continuous "shuttling" will continue until the waiting passengers have been transported. This will upset the normal schedule but the ferry captain will return to the published scheduled as soon as possible.
If the ferry returns to the mainland during a "shuttling" period and there are 5 minutes or less before a normally scheduled run the Captain may, at his/her discretion, decide to wait and take that opportunity to get back on schedule.
Tickets will normally be collected while vehicles are waiting in line before boarding. When Ferry traffic is heavy, however, and as a means of speeding up the loading process, vehicles may be loaded first.

Please understand that one of the responsibilities of the ferry captain is to adhere to the published schedules so some degree of latitude must be given to the captain when he/she is attempting to return to the published schedules.

CAPTAINS RESPONSIBILITY

and

AUTHORITY

The Ferry Captain has full responsibility for the loading, unloading and operation of the ferries.

He/she has absolute command of the vessel and its passengers. The captain has the authority to deny passage to anyone he/she considers unable to safely load or off-load his/her vehicle or in some other way could create a safety issue aboard the vessel. The captain also has the authority to cancel any scheduled trips which he/she determines could create an unsafe condition for the passengers or could damage the vessel.

LOADING & UNLOADING

The ferry will normally be loaded on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, this principle must be somewhat flexible in order to maximize the space utilization available on the boat (It is sometimes necessary to take vehicles out of line in order to place them in particular locations on the boat).
The on-duty Captain is responsible for loading the ferry in a safe manner.
There may be times when the Town Manager may request priority loading of a certain classification of vehicles.
Vendors transporting refrigerated or frozen products to the Island store are considered priority vehicles due to their delivery schedules. Deliveries to the store/cafe should be scheduled during non-peak hours as much as possible.

FERRY LIABILITY / CLAIMS

Drivers of all vehicles travel on the Ferry at their own risk.
Ferry operators are not responsible for vehicle damage.
Vehicles allowed access to the Ferry must be physically able to disembark on the Island as determined by the Captain.
If, at the time of off-loading, it is determined by the Captain that a vehicle cannot safely pass over the ramp onto the Island the Captain will return with that vehicle to the mainland and the driver of the vehicle reimbursed the ferry fee.
If an accident occurs while a vehicle is loading onto the ferry or off-loading from the ferry an "ACCIDENT REPORT FORM" must be completed by both the Captain of the ferry and the driver of the vehicle and a copy forwarded to the Town Manager.

OFF SEASON USE

The Ferry is for the exclusive use of Island employees or designated representatives before the Island opens and after the Island closes, with the following exceptions:

If an issue of public health or safety arises, the Town Manager is empowered to authorize the use of the Ferry to assist in resolving the public health or safety issue.
A two-day period before the official opening of the Island and after the official closing of the Island will be available to people opening or closing cottages for the season. During these periods no services will be provided on the Island.

The following rules apply to those pre-opening and post-closing periods:

The Ferry will run only twice per day, once early in the morning and once late in the afternoon. Exact times will be determined by the Town Manager.
No pedestrian traffic will be allowed on the Ferry.
Vehicle traffic will be limited to vehicles no larger than a pick-up truck, and no supplies can be transported to the Island other than the minor tools and equipment needed to open and close cottages.
The cost of using the Ferry will be $50.00 per vehicle per day. Recommended form of payment is by check; if cash is used, exact change is required.
All individuals using the Ferry must sign a statement of responsibility indicating that they are responsible for any damage done on the Island and that they cannot hold the Island liable for any problems arising because of their access to the Island.

FRYE’S LEAP STORE & CAFÉ USE OF FERRY

The Store & Café will receive a specific number of pink complimentary tickets each week during their open season. These tickets will be requested by the store manager for distribution to the store employees as needed. These tickets are for the sole purpose of travelling to work at the store and will not be accepted at any other time. These tickets will be valid only during the period they are issued.

SUGGESTIONS / COMPLAINTS

If there are suggestions and/or complaints, a form is available either at the Ferry Office or at the Island Office. These forms can be filled out at anytime and left at the Ferry Office, the Town Office, or deposited in the suggestion box beside the door to the Town Office. Each form will be reviewed and evaluated. If you would like a individual reply, please put your name and number on the form.

All Drivers load, off-load and travel on the Ferry AT THEIR OWN RISK. Ferry operators are NOT responsible for vehicle damage. All vehicles seeking access to the Ferry must be physically capable of driving on and off the ferry under their own power. All disputes will be resolved by the ferry captain.

If a vehicle is damaged while loading, off-loading or during transportation, an Accident Report must be completed immediately by the driver of the vehicle and the on-duty Captain before the vehicle leaves the ferry terminal area. These reports will be forwarded to the Town Managers office no later than the next business day.

The injured party should be advised to contact his/her own insurance company to file a claim.

Unique and/or extraordinary claims may be taken to the Town Board of Selectmen by the Town Manager for review.

Complaint / Suggestion Form

Date:

Nature of Complaint/Suggestion:

Please check following box if a reply is desired.

Name:

Address:

Lot #:

I hereby acknowledge that I have been advised that my motor vehicle may not be safely transported by the Frye Island Ferry. I assume all responsibility for any loss or damage to the motor vehicle, its cargo, passengers and any other person’s property arising out of or relating to the transportation on the Frye Island Ferry including the loading and off-loading whether during the present Ferry passage or any future passage at any time in the future. This waiver includes not only direct damage, medical claims to persons or property but also any consequential or incidental damages. This waiver shall apply even if the loss or damages due to the alleged fault, responsibility or negligence of the Town of Frye Island, its’ employees, agents, directors and officers.

I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Frye Island and its’ agents, employees, officers and directors from any claims, lawsuits or actions which may directly or indirectly arise out of any damage or alleged damage suffered by persons or property in the course of the transportation by Frye Island Ferry.

I acknowledge that I have had an opportunity to read this agreement and understand the obligations which I am assuming.

Dated:

_________________ _______________________________________________

(Signature)

_______________________________________________

(Motor Vehicle Type)

_______________________________________________

(License No.)

Date:	Run Time:		To Island		From Island
Owner of Vehicle:			Telephone Number:
Home Address


Driver of Vehicle:			Telephone Number:
Home Address:


Island Address:			Telephone Number



Make of Vehicle:		Model of Vehicle:		Year of Vehicle:
Vehicle Owner’s Insurance Co. Name & Address:



Description of Damage:



















Captain:			Mate: