The Steamship Authority has seen the number of full-fare automobile tickets shrink for the last three years on the Vineyard route, leaving ferry line officials wondering if it’s time to overhaul the Islander discount program.
The Steamship Authority has seen the number of full-fare automobile tickets shrink for the last three years on the Vineyard route, leaving ferry line officials wondering if it’s time to overhaul the Islander discount program.
Rates for excursion tickets, which are only allowed for Island vehicles, will almost certainly go up next year, and Steamship leaders are also considering other changes, such as introducing dynamic ticket pricing, new ticket tiers during different points of the year and putting caps on the number of times the Islander discounted rates can be used annually.
The potential changes come as standard vehicle tickets, those paid largely by visitors bringing their cars to the Island, have fallen by about 6 per cent annually for the last three years and 2025 is on track for a 4 per cent drop compared to last year.
At the same time, excursion travel continues its streak of growth, meaning more people are traveling on discounted tickets while the full-cost tickets that subsidize them continue to dip.
Excursion rates could be going up.
Excursion rates could be going up.
Steamship officials see the current situation, which has been a driver of a $1.2 million downturn in operating revenue, as unsustainable and they are pondering their options.
“The entire fare structure has to be looked at,” said James Malkin, the Vineyard’s representative on the Steamship’s board of governors. “That growing gap is not tenable.”
In 2021, the Steamship Authority carried nearly 432,700 vehicles aboard its ferries on the Vineyard route, not including tractor trailers and other larger vehicles. At the time, about 291,500 paid the standard, non-discounted fare, and just over 141,000 people paid the discounted excursion rate.
By 2024, standard vehicles had dropped by about 50,000 vehicles, and excursion fares had increased by nearly 18,000 vehicles.
In the winter, a standard ticket costs $140 roundtrip for a vehicle, compared to the $73 excursion ticket. In the summer months, the standard ticket can go as high as $320 roundtrip for a car and an excursion ticket peaks at $126 for a car roundtrip.
Designed to help Islanders get on and off the Island at a lower cost, the excursion tickets also include passenger tickets for two adults and two children for every trip.
Officials have attributed the shifting travel patterns to more people living on the Vineyard, meaning more people qualify for the discount program. They also see the difficulty in getting doctors, veterinarians and other services on the Island as a potential reason for why the excursion program is being used more often as Islanders seek more services on the mainland.
What was worrisome for members of the Steamship board, as well as its advisory port council, was how little the excursion ticket covers versus the actual cost to the ferry line to transport a vehicle.
In 2024, the ticket price for excursion customers covered about 27 per cent of the cost of service, and standard ticket buyers were paying for about 126 per cent of the cost, according to Steamship data.
“I do think we are going to have to see an increase in the excursion fare rate to pay for the actual cost of service for the excursion fare,” said Peter Jeffrey, the Falmouth member of the Steamship board.
It's unclear what the ferry line will do, but several options are on the table.
It's unclear what the ferry line will do, but several options are on the table.
He raised the prospect of adding dynamic fares, where prices change depending on the demand, similar to airplane flights, or the time of day, like an Uber rideshare.
“I think all of those things have to be taken into consideration,” he said.
In the past, the Steamship board has been hesitant to raise the excursion rate. Since 2021, the fare has remained the same, but the board has been considering hikes for this upcoming year after the Steamship Authority had to overcome a nearly $15 million budget shortfall during the previous budget season.
Mr. Malkin said the ferry line could look at the length of the winter and summer seasons as a potential place to make changes.
Oak Bluffs port council member Joseph Sollito said he could envision a limit of 12 trips per year at the excursion rate, not counting medical trips, before the fare went up to another price point.
Earlier this year, the Steamship officials learned that some take more advantage of the discount than others. A majority of the people in the program — about 92 per cent — use it fewer than twice a month, according to Mark Rozum, the treasurer and comptroller at the ferry line.
But there are a handful of people who have used the ferry more than 200 times in one year, prompting some considerations on if there should be an upper limit on how many times one can use the discounted tickets. Mr. Sollitto noted that he only takes his vehicle to the mainland a few times a year.
“I went off for a funeral this summer and to get my car serviced,” he said. “I think there are a lot of people like me.”
Nantucket port council member Nat Lowell has already pondered adding a new price tier for excursion customers in the heart of the tourism season.
Vehicles and passengers board the ferry this week.
Vehicles and passengers board the ferry this week.
“We could raise the price in the core of the summer on the excursion people because they’re not doing it as much,” he said at a meeting in May. “There are ways to fix this.”
With Labor Day approaching, Steamship finance staff will soon start meeting with the governors and port council members individually to come up with plans for 2026. Some noted there may be more flexibility on pricing strategies moving forward when the ferry line begins to roll out its new, $5.7 million reservation system, which is still being worked on.
But Mr. Jeffrey said the current funding situation is also a chance to step back and consider how the whole boat line operates.
He has been concerned that the Steamship Authority, a quasi-public transportation authority that operates with little to no state aid, is operating under an outdated enabling act, and the entire structure of the Steamship should be reconsidered by the state legislature.
A system where some of the larger capital projects, such as the tens of millions of dollars needed to pay for new boats and terminals, are covered by state funds, seemed more feasible to him going forward.
“I think that ultimately we should look at that,” he said. “I think that should be part of the state highway system.”
Comments
It’s about time they raised
Binny Boston/OBIt’s about time they raised the excursion fare. The SSA is a state entity and it should not discriminate on prices based on whether someone is a full time resident of MV or a seasonal resident/visitor—seasonal residents/visitors should not be subsidizing someone’s MV lifestyle. As the 200-trip example shows, if you charge someone less than the actual cost they will consume more than they otherwise would.
If you’re not here in
Rational islander MVIf you’re not here in February you really don’t get a say
The SSA is a state entity,
BinnyThe SSA is a state entity, everyone in the state should get a say in the fare structure, not just full time island residents.
As a homeowner paying
rational taxpayer mvAs a homeowner paying property taxes I am responsible for the deficit incurred if they dont get their fiscal house in order. Being here in February is a choice, and thankfully I choose NOT to be here then. But since i AM responsible for the deficit my rates should be the same as anyone else who pays taxes (and more so than a renter!)
What exactly is the "MV
Chill Islander EdgartownWhat exactly is the "MV lifestyle" you speak of? As someone who's lived here for 25 years, I'm not sure what that means... Could you explain?
Choosing to live on an island
BinnyChoosing to live on an island but then having non-islanders pay for your transportation by ferry. It’s unfair—and not good economics—for that cost to be born by others.
The SSA should DEFINITELY
Carol formerly ChilmarkThe SSA should DEFINITELY discriminate on fares! Islanders live on MV and HAVE to use the ferry to go to any number of things off Island. Tourists and seasonal residents should definitely pay the higher fares.
I think a certain number of seasonal residents cheat, and report themselves as Islanders when they are not. Fix that problem, SSA.
The SSA is not a state entity
Elizabeth Oak bluffsThe SSA is not a state entity. If you don't live here, it is hard to understand the need for a discounted fare. Just because one person has 200 trips in a year (and you don't know the reason for it) doesn't discredit that the system does help thousands. Trust me, if you carry the attitude that the "MV lifestyle" and the need to rely heavily on a boat ride for many necessities and resources is a luxury, you're sadly mistaken. It is nothing more than a headache and many times it's life and death for people with medical issues or for peoples pets/livestock. Many times we are considered an unserviceable area for services. This isn't the "lifestyle" you think it is. The incredibly affluent who are here seasonally have their own planes and can more than afford the cost of an increased fare to get their summer vehicle here... much more than a middle-class islander who needs to get their car off the island as a necessity and not a luxury.
Couldn’t agree with this
JE VHCouldn’t agree with this statement more. Well said.
Go to dynamic pricing. It’s
James EdgartownGo to dynamic pricing. It’s fair and will spread demand. The excursion prices are much too cheap given the number of full-time residents (official, legal, or otherwise) living on-island year round now. As outrageous as it sounds, the SSA should sell a “diamond” pass for some crazy amount each year — $5,000 for a few flexible Friday/Sunday passes — to subsidize the excursion fares. Or simply gouge the tourists by hiking the Vineyard fares up into the Nantucket zone. A family coming for one RT in the summer with a fully loaded SUV will surely pay $600 RT if the service is on time and pleasant. You have to pay the bills somehow.
direct proof. the tourist
michael edgartowndirect proof. the tourist are going elsewhere....they are sick of being ripped of for mediocre food, drinks and hotels.....
dinner for 5 the other night cost me over $400.....i have had it. no more getting ripped off for me. it it was not worth the price.
Dinner for 5 for $400-$500 is
Oshane EdgartownDinner for 5 for $400-$500 is very cheap.
you are so right. Fewer
Linda Carveryou are so right. Fewer people are coming every year because they are being ripped off with the high prices. If you raise their fear, they’ll be less than less and less. I’ve been coming over for 48 years. I know I’ll be doing day trips more often if that happens
Fewer people are coming to
Here we go again Vineyard HavenFewer people are coming to the Island each year not because it’s too expensive, but because there’s less and less to offer. The last week of August used to draw crowds for the Beach Road Weekend concert, but now it’s quiet. Before Memorial Day, unless you’re getting married, there are no events worth the trip. People still come in July and August for the beaches, squeeze four families into an Airbnb, and settle for mediocre food. The Island has become the “Island of No”! no fun, no events, no reason to choose it over other destinations that offer far more value for the money.
Let's not forget the onerous
tom BostonLet's not forget the onerous STR rental tax. That has been a significant factor. It was a given visitor numbers would decline.
People are not coming — 6%
James EdgartownPeople are not coming — 6% decrease in ferry traffic year to year for 3 years, plus 4% in 2025 — because the island is less and less unique each year. People have overdevelopment and traffic in their own towns and used to escape it by coming. By building the amenities of suburbia, and continually paving more each year, a special place lost its appeal. For instance, people clap over the new hospital housing project, but really it is an eyesore that could be found in Anywhere USA. If you build it, it hey will NOT come.
Someone who uses the ferry
Richard Rowe West TisburySomeone who uses the ferry more than once a week is insensitive to the cost. I've met a number of businesses that take there trucks back and forth daily. These should be charged at a very high rate considering the waste of this practice. They should leave their truck on the Vineyard and just travel as a passenger. Then, once a week, refill the truck as needed.
The excursion rate should increase the same percent as the undiscounted rate.
Please don't change to a demand pricing scheme. We hate that on the airlines, and we will hate that if implemented with SSA.
Basically I think that you can raise revenues easily by limiting the number of excursion trips, to say 20/year, then you pay full price, and if you go beyond 40/year, pay double.
I’m almost certain work
Oshane EdgartownI’m almost certain work trucks don’t get excursion rates
So, when can we expect to see
Roddy Seasonal VisitorSo, when can we expect to see those absurd rental rates and home prices also start reflecting this reality? The island better start planning for a corresponding falloff in tax revenues, so I assume all towns will now start hiking short term rental and property taxes even higher to compensate. Another example of a never ending downward spiral caused by a short sided tax the rich mentality.
As usual, Marthas Vineyard is
seasonal mvyAs usual, Marthas Vineyard is a cash cow for the commonwealth, sending a lot more money to Beacon Hill and getting very little back. Its time to have elected representatives in the statehouse that represent our interests. The enabling legislation of the SSA made it 'an extension of the state highway'.. As such.. its the responsibility of the state to fund it... with the users paying a 'reasonable toll'. Imagine the residents of western MA being asked to fork over hundreds of dollars for a seven mile roundtrip on the Mass Pike. Years ago there was a move to secede from MA. I am sure NH, RI, or CT would love our tax dollars and treat us fairly. I recall years ago that one of our prominent officials had the 'pleasure' of meeting 'then' Senate President Bill Bulger (brother of criminal Whitey Bulger)... he said he was from the Island and Bulger replied 'we have a closet for them down the hall'. Zero respect.. taking our money and laughing
“The entire fare structure
joanne Chilmark“The entire fare structure has to be looked at,” said James Malkin, the Vineyard’s representative on the Steamship’s board of governors. “That growing gap is not tenable.”
He is speaking on our behalf as our representative. Incredible.
What is it about “looking at
Allen ChilmarkWhat is it about “looking at the fare structure” in an effort to find ways to address a significant budget shortfall that feels to you like it warrants criticism of our rep? If there is a budget shortfall, something needs to be done. Mr Malkin didn’t say we need to increase rates nor did he propose anything specific that you could possibly find offensive yet, he simply said they need to look at the situation and get it under control.
What I still can’t figure out
Inde West TisburyWhat I still can’t figure out is why there are so few tickets available for cars when you try to book early, say six weeks in advance, and then half of some boats are empty when you go to book two weeks in advance? It seems like this may be relevant to how the boat is being used. What’s going on there? Are businesses allowed to reserve space and then give it up if they don’t need it? Do businesses get the residential rate? I’m not saying to get tough on businesses. I just think all of the process isn’t yet transparent, at least to the common folk. Maybe the paper can do some research and lay it all out.
Also, why isn’t the state helping the local resident out? Or is it?
This is precisely why the SSA
Bob OBThis is precisely why the SSA cannot be trusted to implement dynamic pricing. Everyone has experienced the phenomenon that you describe. If they don't know how to forecast boat capacity in advance then how can we trust them to accurately calculate the demand that will drive dynamic pricing? Based on the current reservation system, demand is always high - even for empty boats.
Of course the SSA must raise
Ken Rusczyk OBOf course the SSA must raise the rates. Somebody's got to pay for the new Elephant Building in the wrong place, wrong size,and wrong height and way over budget in middle of the staging area Woods Hole, you silly rabbits
So increase the cost for
Thomas Delotto EdgartownSo increase the cost for permanent residents who power the island in many ways including labor force and ignore bumping fees for seasonals owning second homes or the high % of summer people paying $ 50,000 a month to rent - meaning they have higher income levels - that go dark in off season ? Leave excursion fee for those who need the break and increase summer seasonal rates for those who can afford it - appears the correct strategy.
Maybe it's time to make
Anna Linsky EdgartownMaybe it's time to make qualifying for Islander rates a little stricter to maintain lower rates for the people who actually live here.
Exactly what I was going to
Sarah Shipway ChilmarkExactly what I was going to say. Thank you!
Eventually the REAL WORKERS
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownEventually the REAL WORKERS maids,painters,cooks,carpenters plumbers,landscapers etc etc are gonna leave fantasy island,Just imagine Muffy and Buffy having to clean their own toilets. I'm old, been here 40 years and came when things were reasonable,now u couldn't pay me to move here with all the thieves and snobs
How about prioritizing
Greg VHHow about prioritizing spending instead of taxing their clientele every year? The near $60m worth of buildings over the last five years that are not needed in Woods Hole and Falmouth, The 15 year old "new boat" that spews black smoke. I hope the state steps in and shakes things up. The spending is ridiculous.
you are 100% correct on this.
Linda OByou are 100% correct on this.
100%
Robin West Tisbury100%
it should be concerning when
michael edgartownit should be concerning when you get an alert that a trip has been cancelled due to 'TRIP CONSOLIDATION". that means an empty ship. no one on it. that means tourists are going elsewhere ....our tourism industry is in trouble......and its being ignored..
Too many people flying in on
Susan PennsylvaniavaniaToo many people flying in on their private planes these days, no ferry required.
I fly a 4 seat single engine
edg seasonal taxpayer pilot edgI fly a 4 seat single engine plane here from an airport near NYC. My fuel cost is between $310-350 round trip plus reasonable parking fees. It takes 90 minutes and no BS trying to deal with traffic on Rt 95 and boat reservations.Obviously it costs money to own and maintain, but the purchase price (pre-owned) was less than a typical SUV and it increases in value. My reason to learn to fly 40+ years ago was not wanting to deal with the ferry. And if its going to be a rainy weekend I don't waste the fuel and don't lose any money
I believe that changing the
Robert Milardio Oak BluffsI believe that changing the excursion rate would be very harmful to islanders. Not everyone is rich on The Vineyard. I am a homeowner who struggles to pay my taxes every year. When I have to go off island, now mostly for doctors, I have no choice but to bring my truck, as any other mode of transportation is way too expensive. I also believe that the excursion rate should be extended to homeowners who are seasonal residents too. They are paying almost $350 to get their car over. If they would like to come on weekends, etc, it's too expensive. I hear this all the time, and in my neighborhood, we have 7 or 8 homes that people come to only a few times per year because they just can't afford to pay full price. The SSA needs to look at their spending, look at their expenses and executive salaries. It was criminal to hire the SSA GM back at his regular salary plus 20k more. Our SSA Unions have said this all along, there is a disconnect between the SSA and the public. There are people who love this place ( like me ) who wonder if I can even afford to stay here, a place I've always called my home.
All the islanders pushing
Bob EdgartownAll the islanders pushing “affordable housing” will have your wish come through. The unfortunate thing is there will be no good paying jobs.
Dynamic pricing is unfair to
HenryDynamic pricing is unfair to those with more limited schedules, including those who work, have kids in school, or need to make an emergency trip on short notice. The current fare structure works, but they should raise the excursion rate so that island residents pay their fair share of the costs.
The excursion fare is part of
Lester R.The excursion fare is part of the SSA financial problem. The board, which is composed of mostly island residents, sets the excursion fare far below the actual cost of providing service. This encourages the board to overspend (for example, on extravagant terminal buildings) because the cost is mostly born by non-island residents. The solution is for the state to take more direct control of the SSA and set uniform rates for all travelers. This will ultimately bring costs down and therefore brings fares down for everyone.
Dynamic pricing? The SSA has
Jefferson T Oak BluffsDynamic pricing? The SSA has an ancient ticketing system. How on earth are they going to manage dynamic pricing???
just wondering why some
annie east falmouthjust wondering why some people think or claim that the SSA is owned by the state. it is not.
The SSA was created by an act
BinnyThe SSA was created by an act of the state legislature and the legislature set forth the SSA governance structure. It’s a quasi-government agency. The legislature could easily restructure the SSA as it sees fit. The legislature could decide to provide state subsidies for the SSA and no longer require the SSA to be self funding, which could significantly reduce fares. The legislature could also change the board structure so that the islands no longer have a controlling majority, which would likely cause excursion fares to significantly increase.
The article says: "The
CKeith ChilmarkThe article says: "The potential changes come as standard vehicle tickets, those paid largely by visitors bringing their cars to the Island, have fallen by about 6 per cent annually for the last three years and 2025 is on track for a 4 per cent drop compared to last year."
I don't have comprehensive data to offer any informed policy comment, but I am surprised no one has mentioned here the counterpart: traffic at all times high at the Edgartown Airport:
https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2025/01/28/airport-sees-even-more-traf… .
Over a number of years, we have all observed a change in the size of seasonal homes and attendant demographics. Do not high-end seasonal people mostly fly to the island nowadays, and have a fleet of personal vehicles at their homes for their seasonal needs and those of their flown-in help?
Disclosure: seasonal myself for fifty years (you must be where there was a job for you) but my local family is also increasingly impacted by the difficulty of getting off island when needed..
I don't know what the answer is, but the current cost of our Full-price round trip is already NOT small for ordinary folks budgets...
How about this SSA. Spend
Carla CooperHow about this SSA. Spend less money on unnecessary construction projects.
I am blown away what Mr
Helen Koch Vineyard HavenI am blown away what Mr Solletto suggests. I’ve lived on island for 30+ years and someone thinks it’s ok to limit or charge me more for my off island trips. 12 trips then we get an Uber based up charge. Yes- we who live here have to go off island for services. I have 2 dogs. We go 4 times a year to HYANNIS to the vet . I go to the dentist in Falmouth 2 times a year. I always get my oil changed/car inspection and big job lots run on these off island trips. CVS for vaccines. And maybe I’d like to go to Boston or Providence for fun. Because I live on MV- and want to get off the rock more than 12 times a year I’m gonna get an up charge. Unbelievable
We met on Beach Road over 50
Frank Brunelle Beach RoadWe met on Beach Road over 50 years ago and built there as our home. Traffic is insane now. There was one dock when we first came and the ferry was perfectly adapted to any storms and we could count on it. Arman Tiberio made it preferential treatment after a blizzard prevented me from priority as an islander and he cnanged that policy and made it better for us islanders. The amount of vehicles now is too much. Buses run empty often and fares are free and this is nice for tousists but is bad for outr environment. All you Boston people who think islanders should not be gieven a break are so wrong. Doctoers are scarce despite a fantastic hospital, and we are forced to spend at least half a day to see a doctor. Costs of everything is higher, we need the Blue Line - and we need help paying for getting off island. The SSA was created for islandees necessities, now ticket mansions invite tourists and we are over-saturated. As a business owner we did just fine when there was one slip. Toruism has caused massive traffic and pollution. It was better before this mandate for maximum touris. Islanders really need lower costs and preferential treatment.
the steamship was suppose to
Marie Edgartownthe steamship was suppose to work for islanders, people who live on island year round, initially…The people who visit ar visitors and pay more to visit….We need services such as deliveries of essential items. We do not need what the new billionaires desire for their maga homes. For that reason I think that if you want and need these luxury items you need to pay. There should be special ferries out of New Bedford for the transportation of all the building products. Let’s face the real problem, the real problem is that the steamship never truly grew with the island and realized that they couldn’t handle the situation of the last 20 years…To think that new expensive building was the answer is typical of Ma, and the leadership we have been electing for years…With all the wonderful institutions in our state why are we so behind times? I think it’s time for the middle class to leave the vineyard, oh, maybe that’s the plan…..look at our Chappy….closed out….Edgartown should be ashamed of it’s self for charging for stickers when the beach was basically closed for the summer…..most of the people who buy tickets are year round residents….Personally, I think there is a plan…
But no mention of the guy
Sara Piazza EdgartownBut no mention of the guy wake surfing the ferry. Who is that, Ben Gravy?
I’ve said it many times, but
Class Actions for a Reaction EdgI’ve said it many times, but finding a law firm that would take on a class action suit on behalf of all homeowners on island would send a message. A suit built on the grounds of failure of fiduciary duties for Steamship Authority and management would be a beautiful wake up call. It would drive state involvement at some point as the discovery phase would potentially reveal gross negligence and graft that would blow anyone’s hair back. It’s time to do something new, before it’s too late. Lastly, where is all the negative press about the SSA Nantucket operation? Are we alone in this circus?
Any pricing that has not been
Mr. B. ChilmarkAny pricing that has not been changed since 2021 needs to be looked at. Perhaps the simplest thing would be to make the excursion rate a percentage of the non-excursion rate: when one goes up, the other follows.
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