Complete Regional Transportation Plan 2012 - Cape Cod ...

under 20’ in overall length. In 2004, the Steamship Authority started classifying certainvehicles under 20’ as trucks rather than automobiles. Some pick-up trucks and vans thatwere previously classified as automobiles are now being classified more consistently astrucks based on the make and model of the vehicle. SUVs, however, are still classifiedand counted as automobiles. This resulted in more trucks and fewer automobiles beingcarried starting in 2004. Also, the number of trucks in this category of under 20’represented 53% of the total trucks carried on the Woods Hole – Martha’s Vineyardroute and 36% of the total trucks carried on the Hyannis – Nantucket route during 2005.The numbers of trucks, automobiles, or passengers are reported as one-way segments ormovements. A truck carried round trip is reported as two trucks carried. Roughly twothirdsof these shipments are made between Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard. Theremainder is made between Hyannis and Nantucket. This makes Hyannis Harbor andWoods Hole important freight handling facilities.2.5.6 FERRY SERVICEFerry service links passengers from Cape Cod to the Islands, Boston, and Plymouth. Asurvey of Provincetown ferry passengers revealed that most people (92%) ride to reachrecreational facilities. Passengers choose to ride the ferry, as opposed to other modesbecause it is more convenient, less hassle than driving, recommended by friends, andtheir own personal preference. According to a 1999 Marine Transportation Study by theCape Cod Commission, people are unlikely to take the ferry because it is inconvenient,not going where they want, or because they prefer to drive.The typical ferry rider varies by boat. For example, people riding the ferry from Bostonto Provincetown are generally young, male, and single. They typically take the ferry toreach Cape Cod for a short vacation. People riding on the Plymouth to Provincetownferry are more likely to be women traveling in large groups. Accommodating passengersof different types is important to maintaining ridership and attracting new ridership aswell.The most effective message to promote ferry use is that a ferry can travel fromProvincetown to Boston in less time and avoid road traffic. 63% of the public is likely torespond to this sort of message. In advertising existing and potential services, themessage of “less time, no traffic” is important to remember. Additionally, passengers areinterested in package deals, including hotels, buses, and recreational facilities.Advertising ferry services in this manner will be more successful.Chapter 2.5: Water Transportation Cape Cod Regional Transportation Plan | August 2011Page 208