SENATE REVIVES FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS, MEASURE HEADS TO RULES COMMITTEE

Serious question.. Is this a bad thing? I only know stories of ferry service. Are people having issues based on govt influence or private ferry operators or both?

http://www.chrishanley.com/news-info/new-inter-island-ferry-unveiled/

New Inter-Island Ferry Unveiled
by Ashley Bouzianis on April 26, 2015 in Island Praise, News & Info, Professional Services, The Grapevine, Water Sports

Image courtesy of Warren Mosler

A new passenger ferry to run between St. Croix and St. Thomas is in the works. It will carry up to 49 passengers at a time. The target fare is $50 for a one-way trek, which is estimated to take two hours.

The ferry is being built on St. Croix by Gold Coast Yachts in Salt River, who plan to commence construction this summer and estimate it to be complete by year-end.

This new ferry is being privately funded. The vessel’s unique four hull design is meant to provide passengers a smooth crossing between the two islands, to minimize the chance of sea-sickness. Air-conditioning will maximize passenger comfort. Currently a 23-foot prototype of the design is being ocean-tested successfully.

Currently, St. Croix residents are limited to flying to neighboring islands. Sea plane service is the fastest option to St. Thomas available at this time, but is cost prohibitive for many people. Right now, from St. Croix, many people fly to San Juan or Miami for additional travel options.

This new, inexpensive connection to St. Thomas opens opportunities to inexpensively fly or sail to many other Caribbean islands, like the British Virgin Islands. St. Thomas also has direct flights to additional cities on the U.S. mainland, such as Boston. Due to its increased tourism traffic (primarily from cruise ships) the island also offers more shopping, dining and entertainment options.

In my opinion, the government ferry will be a decade or more in the future if it every becomes a reality. Whereas, if Mosler is to be believed, his will be running within a few years. I'd put my money on Mosler.

We all know our legislature doesn't always make sound financial decisions.
I was surprised there was no mention of Moslers boat.
In the past contracts have been awarded to those with no previous experience and given sweetheart deals that produce lousy service and a boat up on the rocks. More nepotism and no accountability.
I, for one, will wait and see, who benefits. Someone's sticky fingered crony or the people of the Virgin Islands who require transportation between our islands without bleeding the coffers.

I thought I read somewhere that the STX to STT route was or may soon be designated a federal highway in order to qualify for federal funds. The STT to STJ is a federal highway.

The private sector will almost always do it cheaper and better.

The private sector will almost always do it cheaper and better.

Ain't that the truth!

Here's a clarification on a VI Source article I came across:
The ferry-fund bill passed unanimously. Both bills will be heard next in the Rules and Judiciary Committee.

"Editor's Note: Sen. Neville James' office contacted the Source objecting to the headline referring to his bill, Bill 31-00137, to create a ferry fund as an "unfunded bill," on the grounds that the bill did not mandate spending that it did not fund. We feel it is important to help our readers understand legislation; in this case that legislation to create a ferry fund has no funds and hence the bill is unfunded. We also appreciate his concern about the distinction between an unfunded bill or unfunded fund, as we wrote about, and an unfunded mandate, which we did not write about, and note here for the record that James disputes the wording of our headline."

http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2015/07/07/senate-considering-two-unfunded-transportation-bills

Yes the prison system n Louisiana is testament to how great private sector is at things traditionally handled by govts.

Just consider how it would be if the VI government was running it!

I agree with you Alana. Just saying sometimes privatizing things isn't the best way to go.

I did say "almost always" just to be clear.

How do the ferries work between STT and STJ? Are they privately owned and operated, but gov't subsidized to keep fares low? If true, that model seems to work well.

The VI government paid for the 2 newest ferries for Varlack and Boynes to operate. They are highly subsidized as well.
I'll see if I can find latest article.

http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2015/07/07/government-planning-change-ferry-leases

Why was the ferry service discontinued? Any particular reasons?

There's still ferry and car barge service between STT/STJ.
The last ferry service to STX was poorly and inadequately run and I think the boat running up on St. James Island returning to STX from 4th July in STJ a few years ago was the last straw. However, not sure if that ferry was the one that regularly ran between STT/STX.

Maybe someone else will clarify.

I'm pretty sure that the Royal Miss Belmar, which ran aground on Great St. James Cay on July 4, 2011, was the ferry that did the regular runs between STX and STT. This is based on some Google searches, plus photos of the ferry match the vessel that I used to see from a distance. I never rode on it myself.

I assume there was an official investigation into the grounding, but I never heard the results or the cause. Did anybody hear?

Pilot stupidity.