New shuttle ferry plans were roundly criticized during a legislative hearing Tuesday, though there was some support.
The plan calls for building a pair of 280-foot, 300-passenger, 53-vehicle vessels.
The day-boats would connect Juneau, Haines and Skagway, operate no more than 12 hours a day, and have no staterooms or cafeteria. No unaccompanied vehicles would be allowed.
Some of the testimony before the House and Senate Finance Committees criticized plans to leave part of the car deck uncovered:
Ferry officials said the design is preliminary and changes will likely be made. For example, they’re considering a system for allowing unaccompanied vehicles, including container vans, on board.
Further comments can be made via the Alaska Class Ferry website.
The email address is dot.amhs.alaskaclass@alaska.gov
Hear earlier reports on the shuttle ferry:
