Steamship Authority Reinstates 10-Ride Fares, Lowers Threshold for Medical Fares

Courtesy of Steamship Authority

WOODS HOLE – The Steamship Authority plans to reinstate the 10-trip ferry pass plan and will lower the threshold needed for islanders to use the reduced fare for medical trips.

Residents who need to travel off the islands at least five times for medical appointments for the same condition over a three-month span will be eligible for the Medical Excursion Fare, which represents a 50 percent discount from the normal rate.

The previous policy required riders to be traveling off-island for 10 appointments.

The new medical excursion policy goes into effect immediately.

The 10-ride ferry pass cards were discontinued earlier this year amid concerns that the policy might not be compliant with a state law that requires a $0.50 surcharge per ride to support the local port communities. The new cards will have a $5 surcharge to meet that state requirement.

The ferry pass cards will be available for purchase beginning October 1.

“We are pleased to bring back the Ferry Pass option for the convenience of our customers in a way that remains compliant with the Embarkation Fee Statute,” said Steamship Authority General Manager Robert Davis. “Furthermore, we hope our change to the Medical Excursion Fare will lessen the burden for island residents who must travel to repeated medical treatments and appointments.”

Both changes were approved unanimously by the Steamship Authority board on Tuesday.

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