The Maine Department of Transportation has announced that’s it’s delaying implementation of a new rate structure for the Maine State Ferry Service until later this spring.
DOT officials say a new resident-nonresident rate structure was supposed to go into effect at the end of March. However, due to input received during public hearings on islands served by the ferry service and in writing, Commissioner David Bernhardt says he’s going to take more time before he makes a final decision.
Currently tickets cost less if they’re purchased on an island than on the mainland. The idea was to minimize costs for year-round residents. Transportation officials say the discount has been abused.
Under the system being reviewed there would be a single rate tier, but Maine residents showing a driver’s license or other form of ID would get a discount.
The ferry service says it needs a fare hike to offset a projected budget shortfall.
