Steamship Authority Increases Vehicle Trip Rates for 2020

COURTESY OF STEAMSHIP AUTHORITY
M/V Nantucket

WOODS HOLE – The Steamship Authority’s Board of Governors has approved its budget for next year and increased the rates for vehicle trips and parking.

The rate increases approved last week are projected to account for nearly $5.1 million of the $111.6 million operating budget.

Price increases have been implemented for vehicle trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in the summer with even higher rates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, or peak travel times.

Automobile fares on the Martha’s Vineyard route will increase by $4 each way between April and October. The prices during that period on weekends would increase by $19 each way.

During the off-season, or January through March, and November and December, vehicle trips would increase by $11.50.

Steamship Authority General Manager Robert Davis said they have heard from many island and mainland residents who are concerned about the amount of vehicle traffic.

“On the weekends we’ve increased and have peak pricing-type models, similar to what airlines do, to try to make the differential between taking a car to the island versus putting it in one of our parking lots and going as a foot passenger to try to see if that has any impact on traffic,” Davis said.

The Nantucket route would see $5 increases each way for vehicle trips from April through October. Weekend trips between May 15 and September 14 would see an increase of $25 each way.

Off season increases for vehicle trips have increased by $15.

Excursion rates from both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket will increase by $5.

“None of our passenger rates are increasing for next year,” Davis said.

Parking permits increased by $50 for Woods Hole and Falmouth, but there were no changes to daily parking fees.

Davis said the rate structures are examined every year as the budget is prepared.

“It may be premature, but I anticipate [the rate hikes] would be something we would maintain for at least a couple years just to see what impact it has,” Davis said.