Idea for a new fast ferry for Rochester NY to Toronto

Harper Sibley has a new idea for a ferry in Rochester

It's an ambitious idea from a famous last name here in Rochester. Harper Sibley says he wants to start a new ferry service linking Rochester and Toronto.

It would be a much smaller boat than the Fast Ferry that connected Rochester and Toronto for 2 years in 2004 and 2005.

The ship would only carry about 150 people, whereas the Fast Ferry held almost 800 people.

Harper Sibley says he hopes to start next spring, without any government funding.

Mayor Tom Richards says he's all for it, as long as no public money is required to keep the project afloat.

"I don't want it to go in there and fail again," Richards said. "We're not desperate for this. We have plans for the harbor that are quite developed they're underway. Within a year we'll be putting the marina in there so it's not necessary for the harbor, but I think it would be good."

People we talked to inside the Ferry Terminal building at the Port of Rochester say they're encouraged by the idea.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," said Steve Santandrea. "I like the idea of it being scaled down, more excursions, things of that nature."

Harper is a descendent of Hiram Sibley, the founder of Western Union in Rochester. The family name is also on two major buildings in downtown Rochester.

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07/20/2011 6:24 AM | Updated at: 07/20/2011 9:35 PM
By: Pat McGonigle | www.WHEC.com