The rate increase that is coming on the Steamship Authority is due to three very clear problems that have existed for a long time: over staffing, an archaic inefficient fleet of rust buckets, and a board of directors that fails to modernize and anticipate the needs of the Islands.

The answers are not easy and not cheap but it is essential that serious changes are made immediately.

Update the fleet with smaller energy efficient ships, fast electric passenger-only boats, bigger hybrid fueled open deck ships for vehicles. Get rid of the frills — the food service, the comforts — and recognize that this is no more than a service to get from A to B. Streamline and modify the loading and unloading process so that the crew and staff can be reduced by at least 50 per cent.

I have traveled all over the world on many ferry services: Washington State, North Carolina, Greece, Ireland, Isle of Wight, British Columbia, Long Island, France, Ireland, and many more. All are more modern, more efficient, more professional, not overstaffed, more comfortable and definitely more pleasant, and less costly.

It is time for a very big change, a major shake up, a move out of 1950’s thinking into today.

It will be costly, the state will have to provide major funding as it should in recognition of the huge revenue stream that comes from the tourist industry provided by the Islands.

We can’t keep servicing an upscale tourist area with a third world fleet.

Michael Ball

Chappaquiddick