Boat line governors meet in Woods Hole on Tuesday morning. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Marine Biological Laboratory Candle House, 127 Water street. The SSA waives the cost of travel for Island residents attending meetings on the Cape.
A petition challenging rate hikes aboard the Steamship Authority will be on the table for discussion when the boat line’s governing body meets in Woods Hole Tuesday morning.
In a move that’s been criticized by some of its ridership, the SSA in early January raised the cost of a round-trip excursion trip by $2 and added 50 cents to the adult passenger fare. Daily parking fees in the Falmouth lots also went up to $15 from May to September and to $13 a day from September to April.
As of Friday afternoon, nearly 3,000 people had signed an online petition that asks for repeal or suspension of the rate increases given the recent decline in fuel prices.
On Tuesday, supporters of the petition are expected to present it to the Steamship Authority, and to argue their case for lower rates. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Marine Biological Laboratory Candle House, 127 Water street. The SSA waives the cost of travel for Island residents attending the meetings on the Cape. Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting can see the Vineyard Haven Terminal Manager on Tuesday morning for complimentary passenger tickets. Bus transportation will be provided in Woods Hole between the terminal and the MBL’s Candle House on Water street.
The cost increases were approved in the fall to close an expected budget shortfall caused by rising labor, ferry maintenance and fuel costs. In addition to the yearly operating costs, the SSA is also financing the construction of a new $40 million vessel, a new parking facility and a new vessel maintenance facility. Reconstruction of the Woods Hole terminal building and adjoining slips is also coming down the pike.
In addition to asking for the SSA’s savings to be passed along to its ridership, petitioners have questioned the scale of the capital projects in light of what they see as already steep ferry costs. Marie Laursen, speaking at a meeting of the Dukes County Commission this week, asked that the rates be suspended until the long-term effect of the Steamship Authority’s several capital projects is better understood.
“People are worried about the price of those projects,” she said.
Marc Hanover, the Vineyard representative on the SSA board of governors and current chairman, defended the rate hikes at the county meeting. He said unforeseen maintenance projects had come up that would offset fuel savings, and that a surplus in the fuel line would protect the SSA from fluctuations in the market.
But while he stood by the decision to raise rates, Mr. Hanover did acknowledge a breakdown in communication between the ferry operator and its ridership. “We’re out there, and we would like more public input,” he said.
The company holds public meetings throughout the year, including two meetings a year on each of the Islands. However, most meetings see low public attendance. The agenda for Tuesday also includes a monthly business summary for the public boat line and updates on five ongoing capital projects. SSA general manager Wayne Lamson said Thursday that he also expects to share a five-year traffic report.
Comments
The SSA touts itself as "the
Ginny Martha's VineyardThe SSA touts itself as "the lifeline to the islands;" a friend used to describe it as having a "stranglehold on the islands." In fact, by its enabling legislation from the Commonwealth (which set up a monopoly) in 1960 any deficits are assessed to the islands although as the SSA says: "it has not had to assess the taxpayers of the participating communities for monetary support since 1963." This is because for many years, budgets have normally been reasonably prudent and revenues have exceeded expenditures. Now the SSA has contracts (which can be canceled although presumably with a hefty penalty) to build a new "single ended" vessel at $40 M and for WH terminal improvements (in actual fact a whole new and very complex complex) for $62 M. The "single ended" vessel is in spite of the fact that double ended ferries have served very effectively and efficiently for decades on the Vineyard run (and even to Nantucket). It is also inspite of the fact that the new WH complex will totally alter -- even destroy -- the character and look of the lovely little sea side village of Woods Hole. Incredibly the various world class scientific buildings and complexes fit in there almost seamlessly while the SSA megaplex will not. Wayne Lamsom was for many years a very reasonable and competent part of the SSA management, since he's become the general manager he's tended to opt for expansion of the fleet, of the port facilities, of peripherals such as parking areas, etc. No one from the Vineyard has suggested a more modest plan, and I'm not sure about Nantucket.
In fact, our member, Mark Hanover has always been supportive of management and never have we heard him advise against some project or plan. Perhaps he should make it a point to solicit input and engage in a proactive effort to visit each island town to see how the residents feel. Maybe he should have an office or a way to contact him (easily) so that islanders and communicate with him (since he doesn't communicate with us).
I don't care about the proposed rate increases. The ferry ride is still very economical and periodic increases are to be expected -- your cup of coffee costs more, and so does internet service from Comcast! The fare increase is NOT the real issue; the real issues are the grand plan and the creation of a ferry megaplex. What I do care about and urge islanders to address is the mission creep of the SSA, and the ever increasing expenditures for infrastructure and the fleet. Why is the SSA replacing the GOVERNOR? She runs efficiently and while not as "comfy" as other vessels, she's just fine. We don't need a cruise ship for a 45 minute ride. Why is the WH terminal being revised (completely rebuilt really)? To accommodate climate change and sea level rise? Great reason but not needed at this time. THe parking and staging area works just fine -- not perfect but it is OK. Particularly for much of the year. Same for the terminal.
So throttle back and cancel those outrageous contracts. And Mr. Hanover, come and talk to us. NOW!
Maybe the steamship should
Ken EdgartownMaybe the steamship should run like our government. Raise the rates but if you can demonstrate low income you can receive a discount. Only government has received increases in income since 2008. The private sector hasnt. Fares are almost double since the year 2000 but private incomes have barely moved. So I agree with most you have said, but the fares do matter.
How about mission rampage?
Mission Creep?How about mission rampage?
I second Ginny's comment that
Jack A. West TisburyI second Ginny's comment that the Governor works fine and doesn't need to be replaced! It has new engines within the past couple of years (I think two!) and is paid for. Why do we need to replace such an efficient hauler? Why? Why? Why? Let's stop the insanity and start to lower the cost of getting goods and services on to the island. Do we really need so many employees doing little? Let's have an efficiency expert look at the SSA and give us a report. If we decide to implement it, then buying out the union inefficiencies will be one of the best investments the SSA could make.
Add new comment