Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket Ferry Rates Could Go Up In 2021

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA—The Steamship Authority is considering an increase in fare rates for 2021 as a result of the disastrous economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic this year and an expected decrease in passenger traffic next year.

At their October 20 meeting, Steamship Authority officials proposed an increase of $1 for passenger fares. The proposed fares include an increase of between $4 and $6 for one-way fares, depending on the route, and $15 on peak trips for standard vehicle fares. There is also a proposed increase of $2.50 to $3.50 for excursion rates on the Martha's Vineyard route.

On the Nantucket route, passenger fares would increase by $1 on traditional ferries and $3 on high speed ferry trips. Standard vehicle fares would increase by between $11 and $16 for one-way and $15 on peak trips, while rates for excursions would go up between $6 and $8. Barge fees would increase by $2 per ton. Yearly parking permits for both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket would increase by $50.

If the proposed rates are passed, The Steamship Authority expects that they will generate an additional $8.7 million of operating revenue next year, with approximately $5.4 million generated from the Martha's Vineyard route and $3.5 million generated from the Nantucket route. This would help both islands recover from the expected $5.9 million loss in revenue in 2021.

The $3.5 million in revenue is expected to come from standard fare vehicles, $720,000 from excursion fare vehicles, $1.72 million from vehicles longer than 20 feet, $2.44 million in passenger fares, $100,000 from parking permits and $240,000 from other fees.

A vote to adopt the recommended rate adjustments will be requested at the authority's next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17.