Cross Sound Ferry Offers Incentive To New York Gas Seekers

New London gas stations may be more crowded than usual this weekend as a local ferry service offers New York residents an incentive to fill up in town and avoid lines at the gas station occasioned by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Long Island drivers fed up with the gas situation on Long Island -- from empty gas pumps at the station, long lines, and the even/odd procedure gas rationing policy put in place Friday -- may purchase gasoine in Connecticut and get a free ride home, with the help of the Cross Sound Ferry.

In response to the gas shortage on Long Island sparked by Hurricane Sandy and the subsequent gas rationing, the Cross Sound Ferry is offering a special discount for those who want to head to Connecticut to fill up their tanks: customers who pay for the ride over will get the ride back for free.

With eastern Connecticut unaffected by the gas crisis that has blanketed Long Island, Cross Sound Ferry is attempting to respond to the needs of residents by deeply discounting fares for the holiday weekend. Ferry personnel will be onhand to provide directions to nearby gas stations in New London.

Residents will have fewer trips to choose from as a result of continued service cancellations, however. Cross Sound Ferry is canceling 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. trips from New London on Saturday as well as the 8 a.m. Sunday departure. The 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. Saturday departures from Orient Point and 10 a.m. Sunday departure have also been canceled.