Relative to embarkation fees
The revenue collected from embarkation fees will be allocated to various entities, including fire districts that offer public safety services, towns without ferry services that share harbors, and towns that operate ferry services. Specifically, 62.5% of the fees will go to ferry-operating towns, 25% to fire districts, and 12.5% to towns that do not operate ferries. The funds are to be deposited in special accounts dedicated solely to improving local operations that mitigate the effects of ferry services, such as harbor services and public safety enhancements.
House Bill 3080, introduced by Representative Kip A. Diggs, proposes the implementation of embarkation fees for passenger ferry trips originating from certain ports in Barnstable, Nantucket, Dukes, and Bristol counties. The bill mandates a fee of $2.00 for each passenger per trip, exempting small ferries that carry fewer than 100 passengers. This initiative aims to generate additional revenue for local municipalities that provide ferry services or share harbors with municipalities that do. It represents an effort to address the increased demand for ferry services and related public infrastructure needs in these coastal communities.
Ultimately, H3080 presents a framework for generating revenue through embarkation fees to support local governments in managing the impact of ferry services. If passed, it is likely to initiate broader discussions about transportation funding methods and the economic dynamics of ferry operations within Massachusetts' coastal jurisdictions.
There may be varying opinions on the bill as it potentially increases costs for ferry passengers, which could affect ridership. Proponents argue that the fiscal benefits for local municipalities will outweigh the additional travel expense for passengers, while opponents might express concern about the bill's impact on accessibility and the financial burden on commuters. Equally, there could be debates regarding the distribution of funds and the effectiveness of this revenue model in achieving its intended goals of improved safety and infrastructure.