The Maine State Ferry service will soon hike its rates for the first time in five years, and another jump is likely next year to cover a recent hiring spree after staffing shortages have caused many trips to be canceled this year.
The new rates, which will take effect Aug. 1, will increase annual fare revenue by 18.4 percent, according to the Maine Department of Transportation. Since fares and parking fees cover half of the Service’s operating costs, the state subsidy that pays the other half will also increase by 18.4 percent.
The increase comes after Maine DOT has struggled to staff its ferries this year and recently decided to hire an out-of-state agency to make up for the shortages — which have led to canceled trips and disruptions for both travelers and island residents.
Another rate hike may also be looming next year. The department said it anticipates needing more funding to cover the costs of recently hired ferry crew workers. Those costs weren’t factored into the recent rate change, but may contribute to another one that could go into effect by June 2025.
Since 2019, when the Maine DOT increased fares by 17 percent, operating costs have significantly increased due to inflation, the department said. Pay increases, steeper fuel prices and vessel repairs have contributed to the higher operating costs, Maine DOT said.
There are many different types of fares that are changing, based on factors such as the age of the passenger, whether they are driving a vehicle or walking onto the boat, and whether the trip is during the peak season from June to September.
For example, during peak season, the round-trip rates for vehicles on the Vinalhaven, North Haven, Swans Island and Frenchboro ferries will increase from $38.50 to $48.50. For vehicles making round-trips to Matinicus during peak season, with a reservation included, the fares will increase from $90.00 to $108.00.
