Ferry riders between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard may soon have new travel options -- this time without controversy -- as the Steamship Authority considers proposals by two independent ferry operators.
SeaStreak is proposing to start high-speed ferry service between New Bedford and Nantucket. The company already runs a fast ferry between New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard. Steamship Authority General Manager Wayne Lamson said there hasn’t been direct ferry service between New Bedford and Nantucket for years.
“You’d have to go back to the 1950s,” Lamson said. “And the trip would start in New Bedford, stop over in Woods Hole, stop at Oak Bluffs, and continue on to Nantucket. That was pretty much a good half day to get from New Bedford to Nantucket.”
Steamship Authority officials largely approve of the proposal, unlike 20 years ago, when officials' concerns about competition killed a similar idea. But with increasing car and truck traffic over the Bourne and Sagamore bridges, Lamson says the new direct route from New Bedford would give travelers a much-needed alternative.
New Bedford Mayor John Mitchell is upbeat about the proposal.
“It would provide Nantucketers with more options to travel here to New Bedford and avoid Cape traffic,” Mitchell said. “We have reliable transportation connections here for Islanders that will allow them to either travel by air, or get to Boston or Providence by ground transportation.”
Meanwhile, Hy-Line wants to retire its traditional ferry, the Brant Point, and replace it with a new high-speed vessel. The company also proposes increasing its inter-island service from one to three trips per day using the high-speed vessel Lady Martha.
The Authority’s Port Council will make a recommendation to the Authority on both proposals this week. The Steamship Authority could make a final ruling on the proposals at that meeting.
