CORPUS CHRISTI (September 28, 2012)--The Harbor Ferry in Corpus Christi has set a record with more than 80,000 passengers already this season, the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority announced Thursday.

The 90-foot ferry operates from March through November with increased operations during the summer.

RTA official Carl Weckenmann said better weather likely was a factor in the increase in passengers.

The Harbor Ferry did not run in 2010 because of problems securing a vessel with a bathroom compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

RTA officials said the previous ridership record was in 2011 when service resumed and nearly 53,000 people were transported.

The ferry charges $3 per round trip, with discounts for students, senior citizens and people with disabilities.