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Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the N.C. Department of Transportation has canceled its 2020 contract for the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, according to a Tuesday morning press release.

The passenger ferry was introduced in 2019 as a transportation alternative for people traveling between Hatteras and Ocracoke islands on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. More than 28,600 people used the passenger ferry last summer.

The Ferry Division will continue its vehicle ferries between Hatteras and Ocracoke in 2020 and will encourage those passengers to remain in their vehicles or stand at least six feet from other people while on board.

Ferry officials expect to decide whether to resume passenger ferry service next year in the coming months.

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