Heading to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket in 2023? Here's a look at proposed ferry fees

Asad Jung, Cape Cod Times
·3 min read
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EDITOR'S NOTE: A change was made to this story on Oct. 3, 2022, to correct the 10-ride pass fare increase. 

To meet rising fuel costs, inflation and maintenance costs, the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority plans to raise rates on its Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket routes for 2023.

The Steamship Authority board will vote on the proposed rate adjustments at its October meeting.

Increases on the Martha’s Vineyard route

Passenger fares are expected to increase by 50 cents per single adult ticket. Ten-ride passes will increase by $4, and 46-ride passes will increase by $9.

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One-way tickets for vehicles will increase by either $3 or $5 depending on the season. During peak season, one-way tickets for vehicles will increase by $10 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Vehicles more than 20 feet in length will see a price increase of 8% per ticket.

Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority ferries pass each other on their way to and from Martha's Vineyard.
Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority ferries pass each other on their way to and from Martha's Vineyard.

One-way excursion fares will increase by $1.

Year-round parking permits for Woods Hole and Palmer Avenue will increase by $50, and seasonal permits by $25. Daily parking between May and October will increase by $1.

Increases on the Nantucket route

Passenger fares are expected to increase by $1 per single adult ticket. Tickets for the high-speed ferry will increase by $3.

One-way tickets for vehicles will increase by either $9 or $14 depending on the season. During peak season, one-way tickets for vehicles will increase by $20 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Vehicles more than than 20 feet in length will see a price increase of 8% per ticket.

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One-way excursion fares will increase by $2. Barge fees will increase by $1 per ton.

Year-round parking permits for Hyannis will increase by $50, and seasonal permits by $25. Daily parking between May and October will increase by $1.

In 2021, the number of passengers carried on both the Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket routes was 2.7 million, according to Steamship Authority paperwork.

Why is Steamship Authority increasing rates?

In 2023, fuel costs are expected to increase $5.6 million, a 69% hike, according to a presentation Friday by the Steamship Authority. This, combined with an inflation bump and maintenance costs, would leave the Steamship Authority with a net income after expenses of $1 million for 2023.

This is a significantly lower net income after expenses than 2022, which left the Steamship Authority with $9.1 million.

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The Steamship Authority’s total operating expenses in 2023 are expected to be approximately $132.7 million, a $13,020,744 or 10.9%, increase over 2022, according to the presentation.

The Authority's goal is to achieve a net income after expenses of $9 million in 2023 with a rate increase. They hope to gain an additional $4.4 million from the Martha’s Vineyard route and $3.4 million from the Nantucket route

Public response to proposed rate increases

At a public hearing on Friday, speakers had specific, technical, questions about the budget. One speaker, however, said that he observed a lack of accountability on the part of the Steamship Authority regarding cost management.

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“I really have a tough time thinking of the Steamship Authority as a lifeline to the Island, when the Island residents are getting hit hard year after year with these increases to the rates,” the speaker said.

A second public information session will be held via Zoom on Monday, at 5 p.m. The meeting ID is 868 8784 9568.

Questions can be emailed ahead of time to sdriscoll@steamshipauthority.com or asked at the session.

Contact Asad Jung at ajung@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Steamship Authority board to vote on proposed ferry fees for 2023