The first high-speed auto ferry operating within the US began service earlier this month across Lake Michigan, traveling between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Mich.
The one-way trip takes about 2 and a-half-hours with the ferry going up to 40 miles an hour. The time is about half of what it would take to drive the 275-mile overland route.
The Lake Express led a group of high-speed car ferries being introduced this summer.
The Spirit of Ontario, a 284-foot vessel able to carry 750 people and up to 220 vehicles, was set to start service between Rochester, NY, and Toronto. Another new ferry began service in Alaska, serving Sitka, Haines and Skagway.
The Lake Express will make three round-trips a day through September, with less frequent trips through December. Service will be suspended for the winter in January and resume next spring.
Prices for the Michigan ferry are $50 one way, or $85 round trip.
Report by David Wilkening
