The V.I. Public Services Commission has begun reviewing proposed fare increases for ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John, following filings by the operators of the Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie routes.
According to the PSC, the review covers ferry services operating between Red Hook and Cruz Bay, as well as between Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay. The routes are operated pursuant to an exclusive franchise jointly held by Varlack Ventures and Transportation Services of St. John.
Under the Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights (Title 30, Section 1a), public notice must be given of any proposed rate increase before it is considered by the Commission. The PSC is also required to investigate the rates and services of regulated utilities at least once every five years.
In financial submissions to the Commission, the Franchisees have asserted that they are not recovering sufficient revenue and have proposed the following rate adjustments:
Red Hook to Cruz Bay
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Adults: increase from $6.00 to $7.00 (+$1.00)
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Bags: increase from $4.00 to $6.00 (+$2.00)
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Bulk: increase from $3.50 to $4.50 (+$1.00)
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Child: increase from $1.00 to $1.50 (+$0.50)
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Commuter: increase from $3.50 to $4.50 (+$1.00)
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Complimentary: $0.00 (no change)
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Infant: $0.00 (no change)
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Non-Resident: increase from $8.15 to $11.50 (+$3.35)
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Seniors: increase from $1.50 to $2.00 (+$0.50)
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Students: increase from $3.25 to $3.75 (+$0.50)
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Teachers: increase from $4.00 to $4.50 (+$0.50)
Charlotte Amalie (Downtown) to Cruz Bay
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Adults: increase from $12.00 to $13.00 (+$1.00)
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Bags: increase from $4.00 to $6.00 (+$2.00)
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Bulk: increase from $10.00 to $10.50 (+$0.50)
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Child: $3.50 (no change)
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Commuter: $7.00 (no change)
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Complimentary: $0.00 (no change)
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Infant: $0.00 (no change)
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Non-Resident: increase from $13.00 to $15.00 (+$2.00)
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Seniors: $6.00 (no change)
The Commission has invited interested parties and ferry customers to submit public comments before the proposed increases are considered. Comments may be submitted online via survey and comment form at https://bit.ly/4oCirJD, by email to [email protected], by fax at 340-774-4971, by mail to the Public Services Commission, P.O. Box 40, St. Thomas, VI 00804, or by hand-delivery to the Commission’s offices at Barbel Plaza in St. Thomas or Estate Carlton, Suites 1 & 2, Frederiksted, St. Croix, VI 00820.
The public comment period will remain open through Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Additional information is available on the Commission’s website at psc.vi.gov under “Regulated Utilities,” “Ferryboats,” and “Docket 691.”
Following the close of the comment period, the Commission will hold formal public hearings on both islands.
The St. John Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room at the St. John Annex, 1D Great Cruz Bay Road, Cruz Bay, St. John, 00830.
The St. Thomas Public Hearing will take place Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission, Barbel Plaza, No. 1003 Estate Ross, Suite 4, St. Thomas, VI 00802.
The Commission said it will consider public input before making any determination on the proposed fare increases.
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