Legal Definitions - ferry

The term "ferry" can refer to several related concepts, primarily involving the commercial transportation of people or property across water.

• As a Noun:
  • It can describe the vessel itself: a boat or ship specifically designed to carry passengers, vehicles, or goods over water, typically for shorter distances and between established points.
  • It can refer to the service or operation: the commercial activity of transporting people or property across water for a fee.
  • It can denote the route or location: the specific crossing point over water where such a service operates, including the land-based terminals on both sides.
  • It can also mean the legal right or franchise: a special permission, often exclusive and granted by a government authority, to operate a commercial water transportation service and charge for it.
• As a Verb:
  • To "ferry" means to transport people, vehicles, or goods across water, usually in exchange for payment.

Examples:

• Example 1 (Vessel and Service):

  Many residents living on Martha's Vineyard rely on the year-round ferry service to reach mainland Massachusetts. The large vessel, capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and their cars, is a critical link for daily commutes, supplies, and tourism.

  Explanation: This example illustrates "ferry" in two ways: first, as the physical boat (the vessel) that transports people and vehicles, and second, as the ongoing commercial operation (the service) that connects the island to the mainland.

• Example 2 (Route and Act of Transporting):

  During the annual coastal marathon, organizers arranged a temporary ferry across the narrow inlet to allow runners to continue the race without a lengthy detour. Volunteers were tasked with using small boats to ferry participants from one side to the other throughout the event.

  Explanation: Here, "ferry" first refers to the temporary water crossing or route established for the event. The verb "to ferry" then describes the action of carrying the runners across the water.

• Example 3 (Legal Right/Franchise):

  A private company successfully bid for the exclusive government ferry franchise to operate a new high-speed passenger service connecting two major port cities. This legal right granted them the authority to charge fares and be the sole provider of that specific water route.

  Explanation: This example highlights "ferry" as the legal authorization or exclusive right granted by a government entity, allowing a commercial enterprise to operate a transportation service across water for profit.