MADISON, Ind. (AP): Southern Indiana residents who had faced long commutes to work because of the emergency closure of an Ohio River bridge say a temporary ferry service that whisks them across the river is saving them time and money.



The free ferry trips by Rockin' Thunder Jet Boat Rides started Monday near the U.S. 421 bridge that links Madison, Ind., and Milton, Ky. The bridge was closed March 11 following an accident that injured a construction worker.



Madison resident Jan Powell tells the Madison Courier the bridge closure turned her short commute into a 90-minute detour to her job at a nurse practitioner at a Milton, ky., clinic that was costing her $75 a week in gas before the ferry service started.



The ferry rides are first-come, first-served, with no reservations.



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