PORTLAND, Maine — It’s been more than a month since the Casco Bay Lines ferry service announced its plan to raise the price of tickets, but the proposal has been met with mixed reaction.
Andrew Doukas, a part-time Peaks Island resident, has sent a petition to the Maine Public Utilities Commission asking it to reject the plan after the board voted to approve the rate hike.
Under the rate increase, a full-price ticket for an adult who is traveling to Peaks Island would cost $14 during peak season. This is up from $7.70. The increases are currently set to go into effect June 1.
Doukas argues this will unfairly impact tourists who make limited trips to the island.
Meanwhile, the proposal reduces the cost of the 30-day and annual passes, which are utilized by residents.
“The visitors to Peaks Island pay two-thirds of the cost of running this ferry system,” he explained. “In the summertime the boats are full; we make a surplus. That pays for the winter, when we run a half-million-dollar deficit sometimes every month. The residents are basically riding on the coats of the visitors. Why would you want to screw around with that model?”
The PUC, which still needs to approve the rate increase before it takes effect, has opened a “summary investigation” into Doukas’ petition.
“Should the commission open a formal investigation, it would conduct a proceeding providing all parties an opportunity to be heard before making a decision on the proposed rates,” PUC Media Liaison Susan Faloon said.
Doukas said he would prefer a modest increase in individual ticket prices.
“Ten or $11 would probably be warranted,” he added.
The ferry service did not have anyone available to comment on the rate increases or petition but said it’s raising rates in hopes of breaking even with an increasing deficit.
