MAINE, USA — If you're planning to take the Maine State Ferries out of Rockland, Lincolnville, or Bass Harbor, get ready to pay a few dollars more.
The Maine State Ferry Service announced ferry rates will increase on Aug. 1. This is the first increase MSFS has made since 2019.
Paul Merrill, director of communications for the Maine Department of Transportation, said a lot has happened economically over the past five years.
"We set the new structure assuming that for the next few years, the operating cost will be around $15.5 or $16 million a year," Merrill said. "If it's $16 million a year, that means $8 million will be state subsidy and $8 million will be generated through the fares and parking fees."
Merrill said the rate hike comes out to about an average of 18.4 percent. For example, if you pay $17.50 now, it will cost roughly $20.25 to ride in August.
"It's been more expensive to staff the vessels with the way the pay has changed since 2019. Fuel is more expensive. Repairs are more expensive," Merrill said.
However, another rate hike could be on the horizon.
"We had some cancellations the past few months specifically on the second boat that runs to Vinalhaven," Merrill said. "Vinalhaven is the only line that has two boats during the day, so when we have staffing challenges or staffing shortages, that is the one that gets impacted."
Merrill said another proposed rate increase could happen as early as next June.
"The cost of staffing these vessels has continued to go up," Merrill said. "It's challenging. It's a very tight labor market nationally for maritime workers. We are anticipating having to pay more to incentivize people to join the team and stay on the team."
With the fare increases a few weeks away, there are some that understand why it's needed.
"We need those islands more than ever, and if a rate increase is needed to keep the ferries running, it stinks, but it's what we ought to do," Willie Janeway said.
Lincoln Hammond who lives on North Haven Island said he agreed.
"I think it'll affect neighbors who live on the island. It'll affect them a fair amount. I'm sorry for that," Hammond said. "On the other hand, we need more pay for the workers to make the ferries work."
Merrill said keeping the ferries running is complex and costly.
"We know it's important," Merrill said. "The ferries are lifelines to the islands. We do our best to make sure those connections are safe and reliable."
The passenger and walk-on price for the Matinicus line will stay the same, despite the other increases.