June marked the second month in a row that St. Johns River Ferry ridership numbers drew closer to the forecasted budget.
The St. Johns River Ferry Commission was informed Monday the ridership total of 20,396 for June was 15.7 percent lower than the budgeted total of 24,200. However, the total continues the upward trend for ridership that started in May.
May ridership was down 16 percent from the budgeted total, but that was after three months of at least a 23 percent loss in ridership.
"June was better than previous months in terms of being close to the budget. We are not quite there yet, but we are doing better," said Mark Fernandez, general manager of HMS-Florida Inc., which is contracted to operate the ferry.
The Friends of the St. Johns River Ferry began its ambassador program Sunday after gaining approval from the commission at its July 2 meeting. The inaugural class of 12 ambassadors attended a three-hour training class July 13 hosted by HMS Global staff and members of the Friends of the St. Johns River Ferry, a nonprofit organization supporting the operation of the ferry.
"They are there to help the customers have a better experience and learn more about what the opportunities are from this transit system we operate to each side of the river," said Rich Redick, commissioner and member of the nonprofit.
Ambassadors were given information about 30 points of interest on each side of the river to relay to customers as well as safety instruction by ferry staff.
They also can be available to take pictures for customers on the ship. Ambassadors greet customers of the ferry on weekends and holidays.
Commission members discussed how to improve the service. Ideas included providing pamphlets about area attractions and supplying water to customers.
Anyone may volunteer to be an ambassador. Information on training classes is available by calling (904) 318-7619 or email [email protected].
"A lot of lessons learned last weekend. The big one for me was that people want more out of the experience of riding the ferry," said Elaine Brown, commissioner and member of the nonprofit.
The City's St. Johns River Ferry smartphone app is nearing completion and the commission will seek signage to let riders of the ferry know about the app. The app will let people know about the location of the ferry as it transits between Heckscher Drive and Mayport Village.
The deadline to respond to the City's Request for Proposals from companies who could operate the St. Johns River Ferry is today.
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