Cape & Island Ferries Could See Fare Hikes: Patch PM

Falmouth MA

26 October, 2020

3:12 PM

Description

FALMOUTH, MA — Today is Monday, Oct. 26. Here's what Patch has been covering on south of Boston and on Cape Cod and the Islands. The Steamship Authority is considering an increase in fare rates for 2021 as a result of the disastrous economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic this year and an expected decrease in passenger traffic next year. At their October 20 meeting, Steamship Authority officials proposed an increase of $1 for passenger fares. The proposed fares include an increase of between $4 and $6 for one-way fares, depending on the route, and $15 on peak trips for standard vehicle fares. There is also a proposed increase of $2.50 to $3.50 for excursion rates on the Martha's Vineyard route. On the Nantucket route, passenger fares would increase by $1 on traditional ferries and $3 on high speed ferry trips. Standard vehicle fares would increase by between $11 and $16 for one-way and $15 on peak trips, while rates for excursions would go up between $6 and $8. Barge fees would increase by $2 per ton. Yearly parking permits for both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket would increase by $50. Read the full story here. Top Stories South of Boston Cape Cod Named Among U.S.'s Best Vacation Spots: Travel Magazine The coronavirus pandemic has made vacationing a challenge in 2020, but Cape Cod was still named among the best family vacation spots in the United States according to travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. The magazine's editorial board annually names its favorite spots, and last week, the magazine wrote that "Cape Cod has remained a favorite of vacationing families for generations — and for good reason." Patriot Place Holding Pumpkin Carving Contest Patriot Place is hosting a pumpkin carving contest to help folks get into the Halloween spirit. Guests can enter the contest by creatively carving pumpkins at home, then bringing them to the Patriot Place stage area located outside of Bar Louie and Citizen Crust and uploading a picture of the carved pumpkin at the designated photo area on the stage. The contest is from Oct. 26 through Oct. 30. Patriot Place staff will select the top three entries, with the first place winner taking home a $200 Patriot Place gift card. Braintree Chooses Shorter Term Loan For New South Middle School Braintree has chosen a shorter loan repayment schedule to build a new South Middle School following residents voting to approve the $63 million debt exclusion. Mayor Charles Kokoros said by paying off the loan in 25 years instead of 30, with an interest rate below 2 percent, the town will save about $3 million in interest over the life of the loan. The savings mean the average annual property tax cost to Braintree homeowners will decrease below the $170 per year previously estimated during the debt exclusion campaign. Across Massachusetts Communities Should Empty, Lock Ballot Boxes On Halloween: Galvin The guidance comes as officials push for added ballot box security following the suspected arson of a ballot box in Boston's Copley Square. Rink Closures Cause 'Disappointment And Dejection' On North Shore Youth hockey directors address the impact of the state's order to close all rinks for two weeks after coronavirus outbreaks.