The folks who operate Casco Bay Lines and the various state ferries must be relieved that mobs haven’t taken to the barricades over the prospect of a ticket price increase to pay growing fuel bills. Given the near-doubling of the price of diesel fuel, the state’s planned 10 percent ticket price increase is modest. Plans for a price hike at CBL are reportedly under consideration too.
Ferries are a vital link for islands and short of a sail-driven alternative or a massive population shift to the mainland, someone’s going to have to pay the fuel bill. If fuel prices stay high (and there is every expectation that they will) debate over state-subsidized ferry service is bound to erupt at some point. We’ll hear calls for service cutbacks and still higher ticket prices. And — justifiably — islanders and others who understand the critical importance of ferry service will be called upon to make their case. Ferries are part of Maine’s statewide transportation network, as important to the well-being of the communities they serve as well-maintained roads everywhere. Debates over service and costs can be worthwhile, but they will be most meaningful if everyone understands the value of the service in the first place.