PETITION TO THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

We, the undersigned, hereby respectfully request that the North Carolina General Assembly amend State law to authorize the North Carolina Ferry Division to issue a Priority Pass to full-time residents of Ocracoke Island.

Such Priority Pass shall be available to individuals who demonstrate full-time residency on Ocracoke Island through a valid North Carolina Driver’s License and North Carolina vehicle registration identifying Ocracoke as their residence.

The Priority Pass shall entitle qualifying full-time Ocracoke residents to priority loading on ferries operating on the Hatteras–Ocracoke route in both directions, subject to reasonable procedures established by the North Carolina Ferry Division.

Ocracoke Island is a ferry-dependent community with no public road connection to the mainland. For full-time residents, the Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry is not simply a means of transportation or a convenience—it is the community’s essential transportation link for employment, medical care, education, government services, commerce, and other necessities of daily life. For over 40 years, the priority boarding system has served as a vital lifeline ensuring residents can reliably access these critical services. Without it, a basic trip for a doctor's appointment or grocery shopping could force residents to leave three hours early just to wait in line, often preventing them from returning home until well after dark.

Accordingly, we believe that full-time Ocracoke residents should receive reasonable priority in accessing this essential public transportation service, particularly as the State moves toward implementation of ferry tolling and changes to the Ferry Division’s reservation and boarding procedures.

We respectfully urge the North Carolina General Assembly to amend State statute to establish this Priority Pass for full-time Ocracoke residents and to direct the North Carolina Ferry Division to implement the program.