Jet Express ferry service adding routes

11/2/2005

KELLEYS ISLAND - Those wanting to get to Kelleys Island from Sandusky or Put-in-Bay will have a more convenient way to do so beginning in May.

Jet Express officials recently announced that they will offer daily round-trip service to Kelleys Island from the city and village in addition to their current service.

The ferry service is headquartered at Put-in-Bay and operates from Port Clinton and Sandusky to downtown Put-in-Bay. Direct service to Kelleys Island will be available from the Jet Express docks in downtown Sandusky and downtown Put-in-Bay.

The move will benefit both islanders and tourists by allowing islanders more access to shopping and off-island entertainment, and giving tourists more ways to travel between the two popular island destinations, said Lance Woodworth, director of operations for Jet Express.

"We said, 'There is a demand here,' " he said, "and we wanted to fill that demand."

The only ferry line that now serves Kelleys Island is the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line, which travels between the island and Marblehead, Ohio.

"I think they've got a nice passenger run to come out of Sandusky for people who want to do more than visit Put-in-Bay," said August Palladino, vice president of the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line. "It will open up doors for people to come to the island, and it works out for the passengers."

The Jet Express completed its first year of operation from downtown Sandusky to Put-in-Bay in September.

Because boat line officials were pleased with the 2005 season, they plan to lengthen the 2006 season and offer departures to Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay further into the fall.