Islanders Raise Concerns About Proposed Steamship Authority Fare Hikes

Several Islanders voiced their concerns about the Steamship Authority's proposed fare hikes during a public forum on the ferry service provider's draft 2026 budget on Thursday, Oct. 9.

According to a Vineyard Gazette report, the Steamship Authority has proposed a $162 million budget for 2026 to address a $7.4 million revenue shortfall caused by rising costs in maintenance, employee training, and technology upgrades, including a new reservation system. 

To compensate, the Steamship Authority is proposing fare hikes across the board, including for excursion tickets for the first time in four years. An average 5% increase was proposed for fare, parking, and freight charges, according to the Vineyard Gazette.

Several attendees of the Oct. 9 meeting questioned the rate increase for the discounted excursion program for Islanders and who qualifies to receive the rate. According to the Vineyard Gazette, the excursion rate was created to provide residents with a less expensive option for entering and exiting the island. That rate increase would range from $1.75 to $2.75, depending on the time of year, under the current proposal.

The Authority said it is exploring a tiered system for excursion rates and how to use its new reservation system to streamline and improve the program, according to Steamship Authority Treasurer Mark Rozum.

Concerns were also raised about the Steamship Authority's advertising costs, which, according to the proposed budget, total approximately $1.3 million.

“What is the PR firm doing?” questioned Edgartown resident Beth O'Connor, a member of the Steamship Authority Citizens' Action Group.

Oak Bluffs select board member Dion Alley encouraged the Steamship Authority to continue seeking community input and involving locals in shaping future ferry service plans.