The Inquirer and Mirror

Steamship Authority tests off-peak pricing

By Joshua Balling

I&M Assistant Editor

The Steamship Authority on Tuesday rolled out several discount-fare options it hopes will be a win-win for both its bottom line and those who travel to and from Nantucket on its vessels.

The new fares, approved at the boat line’s monthly meeting in Woods Hole, include its first foray into off-peak pricing, the reduction of youth ticket prices on its fast ferry Iyanough from $24.50 to $16, and the introduction of a “combination” ticket offering a cheaper price for traveling one way by slow boat and one way by fast ferry.

Under the off-peak pricing plan, 10 vehicle spaces will be offered during the off-season on the 5:30 p.m. Nantucket and 8 p.m. Hyannis departures each Saturday for $69 each way; and the same number of spaces offered for $99 each way on the 8 p.m. Hyannis and 9 p.m. Nantucket departures Monday through Wednesday during the summer season. The spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to some blackout dates.

Current one-way rates in the off-season range from $130 to $150 depending on length of vehicle; They are $190 to $215 during the summer months.

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