The Chappaquiddick Ferry is an essential public service operated by a private operator under a license agreement and oversight of the Edgartown Selectboard. It connects residents, homeowners, workers, and visitors to their homes, their work, and everything that makes Chappaquiddick special.
With a potential change of ownership, the Town has a rare opportunity—and responsibility—to replace a license framework drafted in 1993 with one that actually reflects today’s needs, expectations, and future realities.
What Needs to Be Addressed
- Transparent Financials – Full visibility into audited financials, with a clear and consistent methodology for how costs and rates are determined
Capital &
- Sustainability Plan – Long-term plan for vessels and infrastructure to ensure reliable, sustainable operations
- Rate Structure – Fair, Reasonable, and Market-Based Across All Users – A transparent and consistent framework applied across residential, commercial, and public users
- Modern Payment System – Increased use of electronic payments to improve efficiency, tracking, and transparency
- Operational KPIs – Defined performance metrics to ensure ferry operations are meeting the needs of the community
Many of these items were thoughtfully addressed in a 2023 revised license developed by the Chappaquiddick Ferry Steering Committee. Although it wasn’t adopted during the 2023 renewal, it offers a strong starting point for moving forward today.
- Action Required by the Selectboard
The Edgartown Selectboard should:
- Condition approval of any transfer on modernization of the ferry license
- Incorporate the principles outlined above into the license agreement
- Ensure the ferry operates in the public interest, consistent with its role as an essential service
If you agree that the Chappy Ferry license needs to be modernized please sign this petition below by , 2026 as time is of the essence. The results of this petition will be provided to the Edgartown Selectboard.