Commonwealth Office Of Transit Authority

Lower Base, Saipan

(670) 236-2682

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COTA launches feasibility study for inter-island ferry service and transportation master plan


(Office of the Governor) — The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority, under the Office of the Governor, has announced the launch of a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the potential for a sustainable passenger inter-island ferry service connecting the islands of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam, while also evaluating the inclusion of the Northern Islands in the system.

The study, scheduled to be completed within seven to nine months, will assess both the financial and operational viability of the service, including identifying funding sources and its potential economic benefits for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This initiative is made possible through a competitive grant from the Federal Transit Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The ferry feasibility study will explore financial and operational viability and conduct a cost-benefit analysis. The study will examine potential ferry terminal locations, program costs, and identify specifications for ferry vessels designed and built specifically for the waters around the islands of the CNMI. Additionally, the study will gather and address community insights and concerns regarding the benefits and challenges of the proposed system.

The study will also estimate ridership demand, fare structures, potential job creation, and funding sources. Furthermore, it will assess the broader economic and social benefits of the ferry service, such as improved connectivity, enhanced tourism, and environmental sustainability.

“This study is about more than just connecting our islands; it’s about creating real, reliable transportation options for everyone in the CNMI,” said Alfreda Camacho Maratita, the governor’s special assistant for public transportation. “We’re looking at every angle — from economic opportunities and tourism benefits to environmental sustainability and community needs. Our priority is to figure out whether we can build a ferry system that genuinely works for our people and serves as a long-term solution to our transportation challenges.”

In parallel with the ferry feasibility study, COTA is developing a Sustainable Transit Master Plan or STMP aimed at improving fixed-route and on-demand land-based transit services, ensuring connectivity with the proposed ferry system. The STMP will explore ways to expand transportation access to employment, education, and healthcare services, mitigate congestion, improve travel efficiency, create a financial plan, and promote multi-modal connectivity by integrating various transport options.

“For years, we’ve struggled with inconsistent and unreliable transportation options between our islands,” said Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. “This effort marks a turning point. With federal support and a focused strategy, we now have a real chance to establish a reliable ferry system that addresses the unique challenges of our waters and provides critical transportation services for our people. I deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of the COTA team and everyone involved in pushing this initiative forward.”

COTA is committed to engaging stakeholders and the public throughout the study process to ensure transparency and community involvement. Residents and businesses are encouraged to share their insights and participate in shaping the future of inter-island and land-based transportation.

For further inquiries or to provide input, please contact the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority at (670) 664-2682 or via email at alfredac.maratita@gov.mp/.

Link to the original article: https://www.mvariety.com/news/local/cota-launches-feasibility-study-for-inter-island-ferry-service-and-transportation-master-plan/article_9447c696-0016-11f0-a1c1-6b7ba6601572.html

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COTA announces updated fare structure to support service expansion

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority under the Office of the Governor, is announcing an important update to its fare structure, effective Jan. 1, 2025. This marks the first fare increase since the program’s inception in 2013, and it is a crucial step in supporting the expansion of our public transit services.

While COTA is federally funded, it is important to note that we cannot solely depend on federal funding to meet the growing needs of our communities. Federal grants help maintain our existing operations, but they do not provide enough resources to enable expansion, especially in response to the increasing demand for transit services. As grantees of the federal program, we are allowed to charge a fare, and the revenue generated from these fares plays a vital role in the sustainability and growth of our transit system.

The decision to adjust fares comes in light of several critical factors, including:

• Rising operational costs, particularly the significant increase in fuel prices and maintenance expenses, have placed additional pressure on our budget.

• The need for continued service expansion, including new routes to improve accessibility to underserved areas and ensure our system keeps pace with population growth.

• Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program, as the funding provided by the federal government does not adequately support expansion efforts or the rising costs of running the system.

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the following updated fares will apply:

TransitCNMI: Fixed Route Service

• General Public: $2 per trip

* Discounted: $1 per trip

This is for senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities, active military, veterans, and their families. They must present valid ID.

CALL-A-RIDE-SAIPAN: Demand Responsive Shared Ride Service (curb-to-curb, reservation-based)

• General public: $7 per trip

*Discounted: $5 per trip

This is for senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities, active military, veterans, and their families. They must present valid ID.

With this fare increase, we will be able to:

Expand and improve service, adding new routes to enhance connectivity across the Commonwealth.

Ensure sustainability by funding to maintain and upgrade our fleet, facilities, and infrastructure.

Improve the overall experience for our riders, with more frequent service, cleaner buses, and a more reliable transit network.

Additionally, we would like to inform riders that any existing passes or tickets purchased before January 1, 2025, will expire on March 31, 2025. Passholders or ticketholders are encouraged to take note of this expiration date and plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

We understand that fare increases can be concerning, but this is a necessary step to ensure that COTA remains a sustainable and responsive public transportation option for all residents. By investing in our transit system today, we are working toward a future where COTA can continue to grow, adapt, and serve our communities for years to come.

We deeply appreciate the ongoing support and understanding of our riders, Disability Network Partners, and the community as we continue our efforts to provide safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation. Together, we can create a more connected and vibrant Commonwealth.

For more information on the updated fares and pass expiration dates, please visit our website at transit.cnmi.gov/.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @TransitCNMI or contact the One-Call/One-Click Transportation Information Resource Center at (670) 236-2682. 

Original article: https://www.mvariety.com/news/local/cota-announces-updated-fare-structure-to-support-service-expansion/article_0df293e0-aa27-11ef-8971-d7a6132f8e40.html

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