AUSTIN - In a first step toward implementing a priority boarding system for ferries at Port Aransas and Galveston, the Texas Department of Transportation has begun accepting applications for priority boarding stickers.

TxDOT must receive a minimum of 500 applications at each ferry location before construction will begin on priority boarding lanes at each respective location.

"Given the interest we've seen from coastal residents, we hope to have 500 applications by mid-summer at each location," said Zane Webb, director of TxDOT's Maintenance Division. "This new system has been developed with extensive input from citizens. When operational, we believe it will greatly improve travel for ferry-users."

Cost of priority boarding stickers will vary by vehicle type, but until the lanes are constructed, TxDOT is only collecting a $50 deposit per vehicle with the sticker applications. Once the needed applications are received, the deposits will go toward payment of the sticker fee.

The yearly fee for most small passenger vehicles will be $250, with a $150 annual fee for each additional passenger vehicle in the same household. Owners of multi-axle vehicles such as buses or motor homes will pay $500, while stickers for 18-wheelers will cost $1000.

"Vehicles with priority boarding stickers will have quicker access to ferries," Webb said. "People driving these vehicles will load onto ferries using the new lanes that will be built specifically for priority customers."

Application forms may be downloaded from TxDOT's Web page at http://www.dot.state.tx.us. Paper copies of the application forms for the Port Aransas ferry system are available at the Port Aransas City Hall, 710 W. Ave. A in Port Aransas and TxDOT's Corpus Christi District Office at 1701 S. Padre Island Dr. in Corpus Christi. Application forms for the Galveston-Bolivar ferry system are available at the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Office on SH 87 in Galveston and the Houston District Office, 7721 Washington Ave. in Houston. Instructions for filling out the form are included on the first page of the easy-to-complete document.