The first of five public meetings will be held by the state ferry system Wednesday to hear from people about the new proposal to raise the price of riding state ferries.

Officials say that the state legislature mandated the ferry system to bring in $5 million more each year, so they are looking to increase rates which currently range from $5 to $15.

They are also planning on adding tolls to two outer routes, the Bayview/Aurora and Cherry Branch/Minnesott Beach Routes. The new tolls will take effect April 1.

Wednesday’s meeting is taking place at Ocracoke School Gymnasium
on Schoolhouse Road at 7 p.m.. NCDOT says ferries will run extra trips the nights of the hearings if necessary.

Here's a list of other scheduled meetings:

Thursday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.
Beaufort Community College
5337 U.S. 264 East
Washington

Monday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m.
Morehead City-Beaufort No. 1710 Elks Lodge
400 Miller Farm Rd.
Morehead City

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.
I.L.A. Union Hall
211 West 10th Street
Southport

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
Pamlico Community College
Ned Everett Delamar Center Auditorium
5049 Highway 306 S.
Grantsboro