Tram service from Silver Lake to begin soon.
From the outset of the Ocracoke/Hatteras passenger ferry concept, a village tram was envisioned that would move the car-less visitors around the village. Although the passenger ferry itself has been delayed until fall, the trams will begin service in just a few weeks! The Ocracoke Observer has the story.
Village tram scheduled to start late August.
Ocracoke Island will see a new transportation option in late August when four passenger trams will begin circulating around the village.
Joseph Ramunni, manager of the Community Store and who was the successful bidder with Hyde County for the tram contract, said at the July 11 Ocracoke Civic and Business Association civic affairs meeting that trams will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Starting the service before the arrival of the new passenger ferry arrives, expected sometime this fall, will allow him and his staff to work out the operations.
“We want to be sure the tram flow doesn’t impede the rest of the traffic,” Ramunni said. “The point is for this to help.”
The 11-person trams and two wagons, primarily for handicap needs, will be stored at a building on Berkley Manor property as well as charging poles. Signage for the stops has been approved.
At this point, Ramunni was unsure if animals other than service pets will be allowed to board.
While the new passenger ferry is expected to be delivered to the N.C. Ferry Division this year and some preliminary runs may be done, full service will begin next year.
Ocracoke’s county commissioner Tom Pahl reported that the village needs improvements for public safety, particularly, the roads are missing painted lines for traffic and crossings. He noted the high number of vehicles this summer, including motorized skateboards.
Poor visibility because of vegetation at numerous intersections around the village should be cut back, he said.
