Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
With the population growing on all the USVI, Do you think that the VI Port Authority should start a shuttle ferry service daily between the 3 Main Islands. It is apparent that private industry has been unable to provide consistent regular service. Tourism could benefit from it as well as Workers/Residents. Whatcha think?
Posted : September 23, 2007 2:22 pm
If I am not mistaken, the legislature gave exclusive rights for 15 years to the current operator (a monopoly) and if the government were to compete, it might cause some kind of lawsuit......not that that would stop them from trying if they thought they could use it like WAPA, to provide political appointments to the chosen ones.....Maybe it could be operated by the GERS!!!! Just a thought. 🙂
Posted : September 23, 2007 2:49 pm
The VI Government does not need to run or try to run anything at all around here. The inter island ferry runs back and forth from St Thomas to St Croix right now and the Government employees still use the seaplane. Go figure.
RL
Posted : September 23, 2007 3:42 pm
I agree with Ronnie. I may change my opinion when the government can manage to be responsible enough to pay their electric bills but not before. They can't take care of their own business much less run something better than a private corporation that has learned how to make a payroll.
Posted : September 23, 2007 11:04 pm
My understanding from what I have read is the current companies have exclusive contracts that can't be broken. They get large subsidies from the government. I believe the current budget gives them around $500,000 a year each to help cover operating loses, upgrade equipment etc. They have no incentive to improve service or run in the black as this would simply nullify there need for subsidies. As a matter of fact I read that the Ferry Companies want to put the water island ferry which is privately owned and run with no government money out of business. They claim it is a violation of their contracts and they should be allowed to replace it with one of their boats, of course with additional government funding.
Jay
Posted : September 23, 2007 11:34 pm
I am anti-monopoly, and I believe in private sector over government run amenities, whenever possible (usually), but my observation is that since the Hydro-foils, years ago, we haven't had a reliable ferry from STT to STX. Maybe if an exclusive, is the only way to keep a ferry operating, year 'round, then it's not all that bad? I do have a sense of security that a ferry will be running, now.
Posted : September 24, 2007 3:08 am
Topic starter
Bump,
Just want to see if I can get other OP's, For those of you that have answered thanks!
Posted : September 27, 2007 7:21 pm
