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CRUISES: CORPORATE PUBLIC WEDDINGS FERRIES FISHING SAILBOATS
 
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Rochester Toronto Ferry

FAQs...


THE ROCHESTER FERRY HAS CEASED OPERATING

On Tuesday, January 10, 2006 Mayor Robert Duffy made the very difficult decision to discontinue ferry service. All of the parties involved including former Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. and the Rochester Ferry Company had the best of intentions. But, the sad reality was that the ferry lost $10 million in 10 months and that was deemed too great a financial risk to the city of Rochester.

The Rochester Ferry was a victim of insufficient marketing due to shortage of startup time. It is the personal opinion of Omar Aboya of TorontoHarbour.com that the City of Toronto and the local businesses in the area should have really come together and supported the project instead of allowing it to languish. We benefited greatly economically, but gave nothing. In order to succeed, the ferry needed to have a high profile in Toronto. Instead it was allowed to accumulate staggering debt and die a slow death.

I have found the citizens of Rochester to be the most courteous and friendly anywhere and my personal friendships with those that I have befriended will only get stronger. To the citizens of Rochester I say....

Rochester Rocks!


Help us all make the potential future ferry operation a big success.

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To Contact The Toronto Rochester Ferry, please

or call 1-877-283-7327


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Comments on our site to help us serve you better:





General
1. Why should I take the Fast Ferry versus driving?
2. What is the ships size?
3. What is the ship capacity?
4. How many round trips per day?
5. How long is the Ferry trip?
6. Must a guest disembark on round trips?


Passenger Comfort & Safety
1. Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?
2. What is the pet policy?
3. Is there a smoking area?
4. In case of emergency?
5. In light of recent world events, what security measures are being taken?
6. Will there be gambling on board?
7. Will the Ferry be responsible for missed events or connections due to delays?
8. Should I make a reservation?


Terminals, Parking & Transportation
1. Where are the terminals?
2. Is there public transit from the terminals in Toronto?
3. Is there secure parking near the terminals? How much will it cost?


Customs, Immigration & Identification
1. What type of identification is required?
2. Do I need my passport travelling between countries?
3. Where are Customs and Immigration located and what will the process be like?



Why should I take the Fast Ferry versus driving?
The fast ferry has been designed not as a replacement for driving but as an exciting new alternative. It will provide a safe, reliable and stress free method of traveling, all year round. The ferry will have eating and drinking establishments, duty free shopping, a play area for kids, satellite television throughout and 2 theaters with plasma screen televisions. It is meant to be a total travel experience, and could become the best part of your trip. For those that will be conducting business while traveling, the Fast Ferry will enhance your productivity through access to wireless internet connections, phone services and the comfort of a business lounge.
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What is the ships size?
The ship measures 86.563 meters (284 ft) in length and the width is 23.8 meters (78 ft). To give you some idea of its impressive size, it is as tall as a 5 story building, nearly as long as football field, and bigger than a jumbo jet.
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What is the ship capacity?
The ferry holds approximately 750 people, up to 220 vehicles and up to 10 buses or trucks in various combinations.
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How many round trips per day?
The Fast Ferry will operate year round. Our goal is to have 3 round trips every day.
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How long is the Ferry trip?
It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from port to port. Approximate time for loading and disembarking is 17 minutes respectively.
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Must a guest disembark on round trips?
Due to security reasons, government authorities have informed CATS that everyone must disembark and re-board. Those passengers in vehicles who came via their own means will have to be in their individual vehicles when departing the ferry and will be processed as a group. Those who have walked on will simply proceed to the arrival area and proceed through the customs process.
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Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?
The Fast Ferry is wheelchair accessible and was built in accordance to the American Disabilities Act as it applies to marine transportation. Further, to make boarding and disembarking easier, there is an elevator connecting the car deck to the passenger deck.
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What is the pet policy?
The ferry will not have any special accommodations for pets. Those traveling by motorized transportation can leave their pets in their vehicle. However, once the ferry departs NO guests are allowed on the vehicle deck. In addition, there are individual certificates required by government authorities to transport pets across the board. At a minimum, proof of rabies vaccination will be required.

USA's Policy on Pets:  http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml#Pets
Canada's Policy on Pets:  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml Back to Top


Is there a smoking area?
Smoking will be permitted on the exterior deck areas only. Smoking will not be permitted on any of the enclosed decks or interior areas of the ferry.
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In case of emergency?
The crew will be trained to the highest standards and fully prepared perform all emergency procedures. There will be life preservers for everyone onboard and many others. The ferry is equipped with 4 emergency evacuation systems equipped with life rafts which would be utilized if the ferry has to be abandoned.
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In light of recent world events, what security measures are being taken?
The Fast Ferry will be one of the newest border crossings between Canada and the US. Border security procedures will be enforced under the auspices of the US and Canadian authorities.
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Will there be gambling on board?
There will be no gambling onboard the Ferry, however there is a children's play area, two movie lounges and a games room.
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Will the Ferry be responsible for missed events or connections due to delays?
The schedule of the Ferry is designed to accommodate short delays due to weather, etc. With regard to attending popular shows, games or flights, CATS can not assume liability for missed commitments or connections.
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Should I make a reservation?
Availability onboard the ferry can never be guaranteed, however CATS encourages "walk-on" passengers who plan on purchasing a ticket at the terminal to arrive 1 hour prior to the departure of The Cat.
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Where are the terminals?
The beachfront ferry terminal is located on the Genesee River in Charlotte, about a 15 - 20 minute drive to downtown Rochester, NY. It is approximately 1 mile from the Lake Ontario State Parkway and the connecting national interstate highway system.
Directions to the Terminal:

Rochester Terminal
1000 North River Street
Rochester, NY

The ferry terminal in Toronto is located at the end of Cherry Street off of Lakeshore Drive, approximately 1 mile from the Gardiner Expressway and a 1 1/4 mile taxi or shuttle ride to Yonge Street. The terminal provides a dramatic panoramic view of downtown and the inner harbor.
Directions to the Terminal:

Toronto Terminal
8 Unwin Avenue
Toronto, ON
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Is there public transit from the terminals in Toronto?
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate bus service every day between the Cherry Street Ferry Terminal and Union Station, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Buses on the 72B and 172 routes will serve the ferry terminal, and will be operating at approximately 15 to 20 minute intervals.

The bus will connect to the city subway system and pass a couple of premier tourist attractions along the way, including the Distillery historic district and the Esplanade area.

A one-way trip will take about 15 minutes. The cost is $2.25 CDN and exact change is necessary. The TTC will accept U.S. coins but will not provide exchange. The TTC also offers an unlimited day pass for $7.75 CDN. Click here to see the Route Map.
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Is there secure parking near the terminals? How much will it cost?
CATS will own the parking lot at the port of Rochester in Charlotte. There will be paid parking but the cost has yet to be determined. The lot will protected by closed circuit camera systems.
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What type of identification is required?
CATS is required to submit a manifest with all guests and crew aboard to the authorities fifteen minutes after vessel departure. CATS is required to provide the following information for each guest on the manifest: full name, date of birth, passport number and/or visa number. If a passenger does not have a passport, the passenger has the responsibility to provide identification to verify citizenship or residency in either Canada or the U.S. CATS is not responsible for identification.
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SDo I need my passport travelling between countries?
Travelers will be passing through Customs separate from CATS; however we suggest that you bring your passport, the responsibility for ensuring proper documentation rests with the passenger and not with CATS.
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Where are Customs and Immigration located and what will the process be like?
There will be two customs/homeland security interfaces. The first will be prior to boarding for security. The second interface will be disembarking at the port of destination. CATS and customs are working together to have this process as quick and efficient as possible. Guests should be advised that the process similar to those they encounter at the border and at airports. Due to the importance of security, CATS cannot predict the amount of time to clear customs.
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