Casco Bay Lines Considers Another Passenger Fare Hike

The ferry service is proposing a 21% increase to peak-season round-trip tickets after raising fares in 2024 and 2025.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Casco Bay Island Transit District is considering a second round of passenger fare increases in three years, with round-trip adult tickets potentially jumping from $14 to $17 during peak season. The proposed changes aim to reduce the district's operating deficit, though some longtime island residents have expressed concerns about the impact on affordability, especially for infrequent travelers.

Why it matters

Casco Bay Lines is a vital transportation link for the islands in Casco Bay, providing year-round service to residents and visitors. Any fare increases could make it more difficult for islanders and their families to afford travel, potentially impacting the local economy and community.

The details

The Casco Bay Island Transit District is proposing a 21% increase to peak-season round-trip passenger fares, from $14 to $17. This would be the second fare hike in three years, following increases for vehicles in 2025 and passengers in 2024. The district says rising costs for fuel, labor, vessel maintenance, insurance, and regulatory compliance are driving the need for higher fares. However, the proposed changes would also include a less than 1% increase for annual passes, and a new benefit allowing pass holders to purchase up to 12 peak-season tickets at off-peak rates.

  • The Casco Bay Lines peak season runs from April 18 to October 12.
  • The district's finance committee will hold a public workshop on the proposal on April 8, 2026.
  • The full board could make a decision on the fare increases at its April 23, 2026 meeting.

The players

Casco Bay Island Transit District

The organization that operates the Casco Bay Lines ferry service, which provides year-round transportation to the islands in Casco Bay.

Ben Dinsmore

The general manager of the Casco Bay Island Transit District.

Mark Rogus

A Peaks Island resident who submitted public comments expressing concerns about the proposed fare increases.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you ride the ferry frequently, or even periodically, you will continue to have access to the most affordable fares in the system. That is by design.”

— Ben Dinsmore, General Manager, Casco Bay Island Transit District

“While single tickets are likely used predominantly by 'visitors,' some islanders who travel infrequently will face the largest proportional annual cost increase of any rider type.”

— Mark Rogus, Peaks Island Resident

What’s next

The Casco Bay Island Transit District's finance committee will hold a public workshop on the proposed fare increases on April 8, 2026. The full board could then make a decision on the changes at its April 23, 2026 meeting. Any approved rate hikes would also need to be accepted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

The takeaway

The Casco Bay Lines ferry service plays a vital role in connecting the islands of Casco Bay to the mainland, but rising operating costs have forced the transit district to consider another round of passenger fare increases. While the proposed changes aim to reduce the district's deficit, some residents are concerned about the impact on affordability, especially for infrequent travelers and visitors.