Martha’s Vineyard Ferry Riders Could See Higher Fares After Oak Bluffs Vote

The Oak Bluffs select board has voted to increase the embarkation fee it charges three ferry lines that carry passengers to and from the Martha's Vineyard town. That could mean an increase in fares for some passengers should the ferry lines opt to pass on the extra charge.

Oak Bluffs Approves First Ferry Embarkation Fee Increase in Eight Years

The Vineyard Gazette reported the board "voted to increase the amount the town charges the Rhode Island Fast Ferry, the Patriot Boat, and the Island Queen to operate in and out of the town's harbor."

Rhode Island Fast Ferry and Falmouth Routes Face Higher Costs

The Rhode Island Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry is home-ported at Quonset Point in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The ferry operates from May until October.

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Falmouth-based Patriot Party Boats provides year-round, passenger-only water shuttle and fishing service connecting Falmouth Harbor on Cape Cod to Oak Bluffs.

The Island Queen, also based in Falmouth, is a seasonal passenger ferry that makes frequent stops between Falmouth and Oak Bluffs. Both the Island Queen and Rhode Island Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry operate seasonally from May through October.

According to the Vineyard Gazette, the increased embarkation fees would be an annual increase of $2,899 for the Rhode Island Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry, $1,200 for the Patriot Party Boats, and $3,600 for the Island Queen.

Could Ferry Ticket Prices to Martha’s Vineyard Increase?

According to the paper, the select board members believe the 10 percent increase, the first in eight years, is fair. However, there are concerns about maintaining a good business relationship with the ferry lines that bring business to the town.

The Woods Hole-based Steamship Authority is the primary public car and passenger ferry between the island and the mainland at Woods Hole.