The Lake Champlain Transportation Company (LCTC or LCT) is a vehicle ferry operator that runs three routes across Lake Champlain between the US states of New York and Vermont. From 1976 to 2003, the company was owned by Burlington, Vermont, businessman Raymond C. Pecor Jr., who is Chairman of its board. In 2003, he sold the company to his son, Raymond Pecor III. Lake Champlain is the thirteenth-largest lake in the United States, reaching a maximum width of and depths of more than . As such, there is no bridging of the "broad lake" north of Crown Point, New York, and south of the Rouses Point–Alburg–Swanton crossing near the Canada–United States border, though bridging of the lake near Plattsburgh has been proposed. Approximately one million passengers cross the lake by ferry each year. Service area Service was originally provided at three points, listed from south to north: Charlotte, Vermont to Essex, New York Burlington, Vermont to Port Kent, New York Grand Isle, Vermont to Plattsburgh, New York at Cumberland Head Most runs employ at least two double-ended diesel ferries, making the crossings in opposite directions. All ferries are capable of carrying large trucks as well as cars, bicycles, and foot passengers and are of a roll-on, roll-off design (although they can operate single-ended in the event of an engine failure). Credit cards are not accepted on some routes. Under the terms of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, vehicles and luggage brought on board some LCT vessels may be subject to search. Most runs are considered quite scenic. During the summer, the company also provides dinner cruises and charters from Burlington as well as special runs that allow the watching of the Independence Day fireworks display at the Burlington waterfront. Charlotte–Essex The Charlotte–Essex ferry is run year-round, but may not operate if there is heavy icing on the lake. This became a year-round route in 1998 and has operated year-round all but two winters since. Until the 1920s when the Champlain Bridge was built, this was the primary route for cross-lake travel. Burlington–Port Kent The Burlington–Port Kent ferry crosses the maximum width of the lake and does not operate in the winter. This crossing takes approximately one hour. Park-and-ride service is available on both ends. Snack/ice cream/gift shop vending available. Grand Isle–Plattsburgh The Grand Isle–Plattsburgh ferry is an ice-breaking route and provides 24-hour service year-round. The crossing on this route takes