Maine’s state ferries need about $15.8 million a year to run, while fares can cover only half; state law treats the boats as the only vehicle link to six islands

Linking six island communities with the mainland, the Maine State Ferry Service offers essential transportation for locals. Projected operational costs for the 2024 fiscal year stand at approximately $15.78 million, funded through a combination of user fares and state funding. The increasing expenses have resulted in fare escalation, adversely affecting island residents and local businesses. This ferry service functions within the framework of the state’s highway network, facilitating vital connections.