The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) voted unanimously this past Tuesday to launch an investigation into the Casco Bay Ferry’s latest passenger rate hikes.
This comes after 50 islanders submitted a petition to the PUC raising concerns that the increased prices would have a negative impact on low- and middle-income families, as well as seniors and students.
In acknowledging their petition, the PUC noted that ratepayers raised “sufficient concerns regarding the affordability of ferry travel.”
Mary Lou Wendell, the lead petitioner, argued that the ferry’s board of directors has not been acting in the best interest of noncommuting Peaks Island residents, according to Maine Public.
“Now the PUC filing an investigation into their rulings and behavior. It’s shameful. It should be an embarrassment for them,” Wendell said.
Ben Dinsmore, general manager of Casco Bay Lines, has pointed towards a grant program that will allow the service to offer aid to residents with ferry tickets and passes beginning in July.
“The Peaks Island Tax and Energy Assistance Program now has $7,000 annually to support annual passes for those on the island that have trouble with the affordability,” Dinsmore said.
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) has reportedly expressed support for looking into the ferry service’s pricing.
Although the OPA recommended suspending rate hikes during the investigation, the PUC declined to do so. The new, increased rates are set to take effect Saturday.
LOL / So they can huddle up now and get their lies straight. They will justify the hikes and everyone will keep voting Democratic as usual
I’d like to see the PUC look into rates to other islands…
The PUC is a woke joke. They’re the reason all our Utility rates are so high. No one ever wins when the government over regulates.
I looked up the fees and they were under $20/roundtrip, residents were cheaper. I am not sure about taxpayer funded ferries.
https://-ferry-rates/peaks-island-residential-boardingwww.cascobaylines.com/portland-pass/
Sorry/not sorry.
If you can’t afford a ticket to the elite islands, don’t stay there while the rest of the state dodges potholes in order to fund your cruise.
Really, average income for a resident of Peaks Island is just over $124k/yr. with a Median Income of just over $94k:yr. Peaks Island enjoys that 92% of its residents that live above the poverty level. The average home sale on Peaks Island is $680k! The statement that residents cannot afford the ferry cost is a bit misleading!
Break down of annual residents Ferry Pass
Annual Pass: $435.00 ($217.50 for seniors/disabled/children). If one uses the Ferry on a daily basis that is just $1.19 per day and a senior just $.59 per day. That is pretty cheap transportation? That is if you take advantage of a yearly annual pass? Living in an island i would be buying the annual pass! Taxpayers should not have to fund your Elite Island Life!
General Mills would love to own all of the Ferry services just like she wants the electric utility business. You think you have high rates now, let her dirty paws own it?
Your only hope for to return to The Once Great State of Maine is, Vote for Bobby Charles.
There’s nothing to do on Peaks Island so don’t waste your money!