Embarrassed and frustrated. Those are the words the general manager of the Steamship Authority is using to describe what's been happening with ferry service this year.
In just four months, more than 500 trips between Woods Hole and Vineyard Haven had to be canceled due to mechanical problems.
GM Robert Davis says maintenance issues obviously need to be tackled first. He would like the authority to do an internal review of some of the problems, but a board member and local lawmakers are calling for a completely independent review to figure out what's going on.
PREVIOUS: Ferries between Martha's Vineyard & Woods Hole canceled Weds.
In just four months, more than 500 ferry trips between Woods Hole and Vineyard Haven were canceled due to mechanical problems. On @boston25 at 6pm, why some are calling for an independent review of the Steamship Authority. pic.twitter.com/ChzsXFwqWb
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) May 10, 2018
"For years we've been able to provide the reliable services, it's embarrassing that we've had these failings," said Davis.
Davis created a report outlining the numbers, and it's not good. In 2017, only 26 trips had to be canceled, compared to the 549 ferry trips canceled so far this year.
The most recent problem is happening with Martha's Vineyard, which went out of service this past weekend.
#ALERT Tue 5/8 The Hyannis to MARTHA'S VINEYARD departure at 3:15pm and MV - to Hyannis trip at 4:25pm are cxl due to mechanical issues.
— Hy-Line Cruises (@hylinecruises) May 8, 2018
PREVIOUS: Ferry loses power for second time in three days
"We're going through everything that we can to make sure that we have alarm settings that are appropriate, we're looking at replacing fuel filters at intervals that far exceed what would normally be required to make sure that we're able to keep this going," said Davis.
While Davis hopes to internally look at some of the issues plaguing the Steamship Authority, board member Marc Hanover and some local lawmakers are calling for a completely independent audit.
"I have no doubt that management and staff are doing the absolute best job that they can do, but they're just so busy putting out fires."
Hanover says funding the $50,000 independent study is a bargain.
"We just spent $127,000 to lease a boat from Seastreak for nine days when one of our boats was down. I mean, the board had no trouble voting for that," said Hanover.
David says he would support an independent review of their maintenance program, but he believes other problems the authority could deal with internally.
There is a board meeting scheduled for next Tuesday on the Vineyard to determine whether an internal review is sufficient or an independent audit is needed.
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