An unnamed source – who described himself as a “favorite” of Jed Dixon (Deputy Director of Operations for the NCDOT Ferry Division) – told us, “Since the Passenger ferry has been delayed again, we’re going to try to cram as many vehicles as possible on the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferries, regardless of weather, wind, or waves.”
The creative move to combat salt-water spraying on vehicles comes as many Ocracoke and Hatteras locals/residents have been calling for a bridge between the two islands. For several years passengers have suffered an increase in salt-water-logged vehicles. With no access to fresh water on the ferries with which to wash off the cars they use as commuter and/or beach vehicles, tensions have run high. The windshields will hopefully prevent any more talk of building a bridge to connect the two barrier islands.
The same unnamed source explained, “The windshields will likely impair the views passengers would otherwise have while traveling on our ferries, but we are committed to preventing vehicle damage due to salt-water spray. And since our attempts to potty-train the sea gulls have been unsuccessful, the windshields might also help prevent the birds from defecating on our passengers, which is something we can all appreciate.”