Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures are gathering information to justify their request to raise fares from the $3 level where they have been since 1989. In the meantime. But, while the Public Service Commission decides, a surcharge on passenger tickets between St. Thomas and St. John is still in effect, the Virgin Island Daily News reported.
The $1 charge for adults and 50-cents for senior citizens and children had been set to expire at the end of December.
An attorney for the ferries said the companies are losing money on the inter-island service and only their charter and excursion services are keeping the ferries afloat. A public accountant who has been charged with making a rate recommendation is expected to make his report to the PSC this week, the newspaper reported.