Steamship Public Meetings Scheduled, New Building, Fare Hikes to Be Discussed

Steamship Authority Photo

WOODS HOLE – In a series of upcoming public meetings, the Steamship Authority Board of Governors will be discussing their new building in Woods Hole and proposed fare hikes.

On Tuesday October 9^th members of the Board will meet in Falmouth at the Herman Foundation Meeting Room in the Falmouth Public Library at 4:30 p.m. to bring the public up to date on the proposed design of the building and the same topic will be on the agenda on Wednesday October 10^th on Martha’s Vineyard at a meeting scheduled at 4 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse.

The following week, on Tuesday October 16^th, the monthly Board meeting is scheduled for 3:30 at MV High School. The Board says it will move immediately into executive session then  reconvene at 4 p.m.  for regular business, finally opening  the meeting for consideration of the proposed fare increases at 5.

Proposed increases include raising the rate for a sedan from $68.50 to $80.00 in season for those not traveling on an excursion fare. Vehicles over 17 feet in length would see an increase from $78.50 to $90.00 during season, off season rates are not subject to the hike.

Freight rates would see the same increase from current fares. Walk on passenger fares will also remain the same at $8.00 for adults. 

The board said they were looking to increase income by about $7,000,000 in order to beef up the Authority’s capital fund which is operating with very low margins, according to the SSA’s comptroller Gerald Murphy.

The Authority also says it will be bringing back the popular discounted ten ride commuter books. The tickets were discontinued for a time when the board cited potential misuse as the reason.