Block Island Ferry fares could increase

BLOCK ISLAND, R.I. (AP) - Ticket prices for the Block Island Ferry could increase by 8 percent in 2013 thanks to increased fuel costs and fleet upgrades.

Interstate Navigation, the New London, CT-based company that operates the Block Island Ferry, has asked Rhode Island regulators to raise passenger ticket prices on its traditional, non-high-speed ferries.

The proposal also eliminates both same-day travel and Block Island resident discounts.  However, it would offer lower rates to transport vehicles.

Interstate Navigation operates traditional and fast ferries to Point Judith in Narragansett and Newport. It faces competition from ferries in New London and Long Island.

 
The company says its newer fast-ferry service has subsidized losses in its traditional, slower service amounting to $500,000 annually in the last four years.