Grafton Moves Toward 20-Year Ferry Agreement; Public Hearing Addresses Fare Hikes and Expanded Service
- Grafton Gal
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
GRAFTON, IL – The future of the Grafton Ferry took center stage at City Hall Thursday night as residents and officials gathered for a public hearing to review a proposed 20-year operations agreement. The deal, which could see the City of Grafton take ownership of the vessel, aims to transition the ferry from a seasonal weekend attraction to a year-round, seven-day-a-week regional transit link.
The Proposed Agreement
Under the terms of the agreement, the City of Grafton would purchase the ferry and its barge from the Calhoun Ferry Company for $878,577. This acquisition is supported by a $1.458 million grant received from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) last October.
While the city would own the vessel and maintain the landings in both Grafton and St. Charles, the Calhoun Ferry Company would remain the professional operator. "We will treat it as if it's still our own," said Denise Knight, operations manager for the company, expressing her support for the transition.
Fare Adjustments and Commuter Concerns
A primary topic of discussion during the hearing was the proposed increase in fare pricing. Under the new agreement:
One-way passenger car fares would rise from $9 to $10.
Round-trip fares would increase from $17 to $19.
The 10-ride pass would remain at $70.
Resident Dan Ebbing, who commutes from Grafton to St. Charles for work, advocated for deeper discounts on multi-ride passes. Ebbing suggested that making the ferry more affordable for daily commuters would encourage long-term habits. Mayor Mike Morrow noted that the suggestion was a "good idea" and confirmed the city would investigate potential discount structures for frequent riders.
Expanded Service and Future Innovation
If the City Council approves the agreement on Tuesday, Jan. 20, the ferry’s schedule will see a dramatic expansion. Currently operating only Friday through Sunday from April to November, the new plan calls for service seven days a week, year-round, beginning April 10, 2026.
Looking further ahead, George Andres of the Regional Ferry Task Force revealed that the group has applied for a grant to design a hybrid diesel-electric ferry. While a timeline for a new vessel is not yet established, the move signals a long-term commitment to modernizing the river crossing.
What’s Next?
The agreement also establishes a dedicated "Ferry Fund" to cover an annual operations fee of $84,350. This fund will be sustained by a "City Remittance Fee" ($1 per vehicle) and support from the Federal Ferry Boat Program.
The Grafton City Council is scheduled to cast its final vote on the agreement this Tuesday, January 20.
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