Dear Source:
I have to say that I am very disappointed with the PSC allowance of yet another rate increase for the ferry companies for service between St. Thomas and St. John. What on earth are they thinking? Just a couple years ago the rate was $3.00 each way. Now it is going to be $7.00 each way! They fact that fuel costs are and have been way down and they have allowed the ferry companies to continue to charge the added fuel surcharge of $1.10 in addition to the already inflated $6.00 – one way fare was a travesty. Right now in our economic climate, an increase in fare makes no sense, especially for people that must use the ferry service daily. Let's not forget that many of those people must also pay for parking, in addition to the fare, to get back and forth due to the complete lack of planning for adequate free parking in the Red Hook area. Plus, you have additional charges to carry your luggage and packages on top of that. Shame on you, PSC!
Additionally, if you purchase a book of tickets in order to save money and do not use them in time, they expire! I do not see the rational in that as they money paid for the tickets does not expire. Ditto for the money for the tickets on the barges to bring your vehicles back and forth. If your hard earned money does not have an expiration date, why should the tickets that you paid for have an expiration date, especially at these prices? Something needs to be done about this.
I am happy to see that the ferry company employees are getting training in "serving the public." It is definitely needed.
Maybe the PSC members should get some lessons as well.
Alana Mawson
St. Thomas
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