Steamship Authority Proposes Fare Hikes for 2027
The port council recommended across-the-board fare increases and a 5:30 a.m. summer ferry departure from Woods Hole for the 2027 Martha's Vineyard schedule.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Cruises
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The Steamship Authority port council recommended a slate of fare increases for 2027, including passenger, vehicle, freight and parking rates, to be considered by the governing board. The council also recommended a 10 per cent fee increase for bus line licenses.
Why it matters
The rate adjustments are needed to ensure the Steamship Authority ends 2027 in the black, as without them the authority would have a net income of approximately $150,000. Massachusetts residents who ride the ferry to Martha's Vineyard would face higher costs for tickets, vehicles and parking.
The recommended increases include $5.25 per direction for excursion vehicles from mid-May to mid-September and a flat 7.5 per cent rise in freight service year-round. Final rates depend on the governing board's Nov. 17 decision, which has not yet been made.
The players
Steamship Authority
The Steamship Authority is the public agency that operates ferry service between Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and it sets its own fares and fees.
Joseph Sollitto
Joseph Sollitto is a port council member from Oak Bluffs who represents Martha's Vineyard interests on the Steamship Authority's port council.
The details
The port council voted to recommend the rate increases to the Steamship Authority governing board, along with a 5:30 a.m. summer departure from Woods Hole and a ban on large trucks on the 5:30 a.m. ferry from Vineyard Haven. The two port council members from Martha's Vineyard voted against the truck size limit.
Timeline
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026: Port council meeting where the rate increases were discussed.
Nov. 17, 2026: Steamship Authority board to consider the port council recommendations.
Mid-May to mid-September 2027: Higher excursion vehicle fare period takes effect.
End of 2026: Peter Pan and Plymouth and Brockton bus licenses up for renewal.
Travel Outlook
The proposed increases come as the Steamship Authority seeks to close its budget gap heading into 2027. Ferry riders to the islands from Massachusetts should expect the new rates to shape their travel planning for the coming year.
Travelers booking Martha's Vineyard trips for 2027 should budget for higher passenger, vehicle and parking fares. Those using the 5:30 a.m. summer ferry should note that large trucks would be barred from the Vineyard Haven departure.
The takeaway
Riders planning Massachusetts ferry trips to the islands should factor in the proposed 2027 fare increases before booking. Checking the Steamship Authority board's Nov. 17 decision will confirm final rates.
What happens next
The Steamship Authority board is expected to take up the port council's recommendations on Nov. 17, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more on Cruises to understand how ferry and sea travel fares are set and how they affect Massachusetts travelers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News.
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