Date of Award

6-2007

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Dave Lemberg

Second Advisor

Dr. Jordan Yin

Third Advisor

Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This thesis will explore the feasibility of a cross-lake ferry on Lake Michigan between Metropolitan Chicago and Southwestern Michigan. Two potential origins have been chosen in Northeastern Illinois (Evanston and Downtown Chicago) and two potential destinations have been chosen in Southwestern Michigan (St. Joseph/ Benton Harbor and South Haven).

The introduction includes historical information on Great Lakes Ferry Systems, information about Great Lakes ports, routes and locations along with the operation requirements for a ferry system. The Methodology includes In-Depth interviews that were done with maritime experts of the Michigan Department of Transportation. This is in order to illustrate a complete list of required attributes for an alternative Cross - Lake Michigan Ferry Transit System. These attributes were scored and weighted to determine which particular ports encompass the optimal feasibility factors needed to accommodate this unique form of multi - modal transportation.

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