Steamship Authority Board Approves Rate Increases

The Steamship Authority board has approved an approximately 5% increase across its fares for 2026. 

According to the Martha's Vineyard Times, the fare increases are designed to help cover a nearly $162 million operational budget that's over 7% higher than this year. The board also unanimously approved the budget during the meeting.

The Vineyard Gazette stated that across-the-board fare increases go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, ranging from 25 cents for discount child and senior passenger tickets to $6 each way for standard automobiles in peak season. Freight charges are going up 5.5%.

This year is the first time since 2021 that the excursion fare has increased. The new fares are rising by $1.75 in winter, a total of $38.25 each way. In April and May, and from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, tickets will be $41 each way. In June, July, and August, fares will be $55.75 each way, per the Vineyard Gazette.

According to the Martha's Vineyard Times, the Steamship Authority faced substantial disagreement from Vineyard residents and officials who believed improvements to other areas of the Steamship Authority should have been prioritized before the rates increased. 

Despite voting to support the rate increases, Falmouth board representative Peter Jeffrey reiterated the need to examine the Steamship Authority's overall budget.

Steamship Authority Treasurer and Comptroller Mark Rozum noted that there weren't many ways for the Steamship Authority to reduce the budget other than eliminating trips during the winter months, a time when the organization operates at a loss. Board members agreed that these cuts would be detrimental to Islanders. 

Rozum noted to the Vineyard Gazette that the rate adjustments on the Vineyard route are projected to add $4.5 million to the Steamship Authority's 2026 revenue. Nantucket increases would account for $3 million.

Jim Malkin, Martha's Vineyard board representative, highlighted the importance of passenger revenue, primarily from walk-on passengers. He announced upcoming advertising campaigns aimed at attracting more tourists to compete with other regional destinations, including the Cape and Block Island.

Malkin also addressed the need to review the Steamship Authority's advertising and public relations spending, evaluating how the public receives information, including through social media.