Steamship Authority

Five-Year Traffic Report Released by SSA Shows Only Slight Growth

While it may feel like more cars flood Martha’s Vineyard each year, new data released by the Steamship Authority tell a different story. Graphs released this week show that over the past five years, Vineyard ferry traffic has seen slight annual gains.

Rights of Passage

Don’t rock the boat. That was the slogan plastered on buttons and bumper stickers in the 1990s when Islanders went to Beacon Hill to fight for control of the Steamship Authority, the boat line that is their lifeline.

Slow the Fast Track

There is much to be said about the Steamship Authority situation. This letter will only touch on a few of the most immediate issues.

Press the Stop Button

The following letter was sent to the Steamship Authority:

I appreciate the chance to provide comment. For many years I used to attend the SSA meetings on a regular basis and have long felt that transportation issues are some of the most pressing facing the Islands. Previous commitments as well as age and arthritis prevent me from attending today, and I have asked Catherine Bumpus to hand you this communication as well as read it into the record.

SSA Stands by Rate Hikes Despite Protest

Boat line governors addressed a petition protesting fare increases at their regular meeting in Woods Hole on Tuesday, but took no action to roll back hikes. Public testimony addressed perceived problems, but also was peppered with praise for the SSA.

SSA Meets Tuesday; Rate Increase Petition Subject of Discussion

Boat line governors meet in Woods Hole on Tuesday morning. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Marine Biological Laboratory Candle House, 127 Water street. The SSA waives the cost of travel for Island residents attending meetings on the Cape.

SSA Governor Defends Rate Hikes

Marc Hanover this week strongly refuted an online petition that has been circulating over rate increases that took effect early this month. As of Thursday, 2,846 people had signed the petition posted on MoveOn.org.

Falmouth Selectmen to Appoint New SSA Governor

Catherine N. Norton died Dec. 22 at the age of 73 after battling cancer. She had been the Falmouth boat line governor for about a year and had previously worked at the Marine Biological Laboratories.

Online Petition Opposing SSA Rate Hikes Gathers Steam

Islanders are speaking out against a set of rate hikes which take effect this week at the Steamship Authority. An online petition had collected almost 2,400 signatures by Thursday morning.

SSA Awards $36.4 Million Contract for New Freight Ferry

Conrad Shipyard will build the ferry in Morgan City, La. The steel ferry, which has already been named Woods Hole, is being called a super freight boat, with a capacity for 384 people and 55 vehicles.

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