Rochester in red

The return of the Rochester-Toronto ferry, halted 80 days into its existence last year before a June 30 resurrection, has been plagued by further red ink, despite an increase in passenger numbers. The average summer ride had 400 aboard, although higher gas prices and low ridership led to cancelled voyages in September. Public watchpoodles say not releasing data beyond August means the taxpayer-supported Rochester Ferry Co. – which salvaged the car-friendly catamaran after its original private ownership bailed – has something to hide, even as the $4.2 million loss is pegged on startup costs and a lean marketing budget. The only notable local mention of revived ferry rides to Rochester came from Joe Warmington in The Toronto Sun, reporting on tabloid journalist John Kennedy getting his jaw broken in an unprovoked attack outside a hotel. A blog called Rottenchester didn’t mind the vessel ride: "The boat is gorgeous, it seems to glide effortlessly across Lake Ontario at 50 MPH, and the staff is friendly and capable. As an experience, the ferry is first-rate, and I was glad that I tried it." But the cost of the journey, exchange rate and  awkward departure hours give a car trip his upper hand. Rottenchester also cites the contrast in port styles: Rochester’s terminal is a palatial building with its own art exhibition; Toronto’s departure point remains a rinky-dink waiting room with a couple vending machines.