Steamship Authority

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.

Old Steam Whistle Adds Lilt to Voice of Ferry Nantucket

Donated to the Steamship Authority by Bill and Sue Ewen of Oak Bluffs, the whistle comes from the ferry Brinckerhoff, a sidewheeler built in 1899 to serve on the Hudson River.

With Storm in Forecast, Ferry Cancellations Anticipated Wednesday

The Steamship Authority said they anticipate ferry service disruptions Wednesday because of the weather; a high wind advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. Wednesday until 3 a.m. Thursday. Extra ferry service was added Tuesday for the Martha's Vineyard route.

Wi-Fi on the Boat: None

So the ferry rates are being raised. That is an accepted fact of life on the Vineyard and one of the increased expenses we pay for the lifeline to our beloved Island home (the Vineyard, not the vessel, per se).

SSA Adjusts Fall Schedule to Accommodate Heavy Traffic

Islanders who have trouble getting their cars off-Island in the early fall will see some relief next year. Steamship Authority governors agreed this week to modify the fall schedule for earlier trips out of Vineyard Haven.

Pages