Ferries run continuously

A ferry crosses behind a large tanker in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Practically speaking, the ferry system represents a key transportation mode in Port Aransas. From a not-so-practical perspective, riding the ferries is just plain fun. Motorists often are treated to views of dolphins surfacing and pelicans flying past as they travel on the six ferries that shuttle vehicles from Harbor Island across the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to Mustang Island.

The ferry system is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. The ferries, named after former TxDOT executive directors, operate 24 hours, seven days a week, with a $6 million annual budget.

A trip on the ferry takes three to 10 minutes, depending on weather and the traffic in the ship channel.

The wait for the ferry varies according to vehicular traffic, ship channel traffic and how many ferries are operating. It’s common for vehicles to be ushered immediately onto ferries with no wait. But waits also can sometimes be 45 minutes or more during peak operating periods.

Check the length of the lines of vehicles waiting to board the ferries by going to www. portasouthjetty.com. Click on the image of a ferryboat at the bottom left of the screen for a link to a ferry cam. Below that is a link to check the wait time for ferries.

The ferry system updates information on wait times hourly. Motorists also can call the ferry operations center at (361) 749- 2850 for information.

Each ferry carries up to 20 regular passenger vehicles per trip, and transports about 160 vehicles per hour.

Maximum length for combined vehicles (car and boat) or travel trailers is 80 feet. As far as vehicle width is concerned, the ferries can take anything that does not require a wide-load permit.

The maximum height allowed on the ferries is 13 feet 6 inches and gross weight is 80,000 pounds.

No vehicles carrying hazardous materials are allowed on the ferries.

The ferry service is vital to Port Aransas residents during hurricane threats, as it provides the primary means of evacuation. When high winds and tides make the ferries’ mission unsafe, they are transported to harbor in the Port of Corpus Christi.

Two new 28-car ferries are in the works for the ferry system, TxDOT officials announced in summer 2009. One is expected to arrive in September or October. The other is expected in 2011.