JPA continues to lose money operating Mayport ferry

"When the Jacksonville Port Authority agreed to take over the money-losing St. Johns River Ferry, it justified the move as a public service to the community. Unfortunately for the Port Authority, no good deed goes unpunished."

"Almost 17 months after taking over the Jean Ribault from the city, ridership and revenue continue to be problematic. The Port Authority lost about $500,000 during its first year transporting people between Mayport and Fort George Island. It also had the three lowest ridership months of its tenure before the ferry was shut down early this month for routine maintenance."

"Maintenance was expected to cost as much as $689,000, with 80 percent of the repair bill paid by a Florida Department of Transportation grant. The extra work will cost $143,000 and be paid for by the Port Authority, spokeswoman Nancy Rubin said."

"Mason said Jacksonville was losing more than $1 million a year on the ferry, and the Port Authority managed to reduce that to $500,000. The loss would have been closer to $300,000 if the cost of fuel hadn’t skyrocketed over the summer, Rubin said."

"Also, the fare was increased from $3.25 to $5 when the Port Authority took over in October 2007. But that led to a 15- to 20 percent decrease in ridership that has not gotten better."