DOT Updates National Ferry Operator Head Count
Published Date: 7/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation wants to update its National Census of Ferry Operators, which collects info from ferry companies every two years. This helps keep track of ferry services across the country and improve transportation data. Ferry operators and the public can comment on these changes until September 8, 2026, with no new costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Census Data Used for Ferry Funding
The Department states that the Federal Highway Administration uses NCFO data to set the formula for allocating federal ferry funds based on percentages of passenger boardings, vehicle boardings, and route miles served. NCFO data will be added to the national ferry database.
Biennial 30‑Minute Ferry Report
If you operate a ferry, you will be asked to complete the National Census of Ferry Operators every other year. The 2026 NCFO targets about 260 operators and estimates an average burden of 30 minutes per respondent (total annual burden 130 hours).
No New Costs for Operators
The notice states the proposed revision to the NCFO involves no new costs for ferry operators. The revision keeps the questionnaire length consistent with previous years.
Interviews To Reduce Future Burden
BTS will conduct research between 2027 and early 2028 using cognitive interviews with no more than 9 ferry operators for about 60 minutes each to update the questionnaire and reduce respondent burden for future NCFOs.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19636, Notice of Request for Clearance of a Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection: National Census of Ferry Operators
The Department of Transportation is updating its National Census of Ferry Operators, which surveys about 260 ferry companies across the U.S. This update will help keep ferry data fresh and useful, with a new report coming soon. Ferry operators should note that comments on the changes are due by October 26, 2026, and the process won’t cost them extra money.
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