No monopoly of service for at least the next two years
MACKINAC ISLAND, MI -- It’s official.
The City of Mackinac Island will allow all three ferry line companies to service the island at least 2 more years.
It’s a story 7&4 news has been following for weeks.
The city has been in the spotlight as its worked to decide whether to grant all three ferry's contracts, or give an exclusive franchise to one company for island service.
Today city leaders voted to give all three ferry companies a new two-year contract.
The city is still working on terms of the agreements, but they made clear that all three companies will be treated the same and have the same stipulations.
The new two year contract gives the city more time to evaluate what to do next with service to the island.
"I want to emphasize one thing: It will be contingent upon all applicants meeting all, I mean all, of the city's terms and conditions," said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud.
Ferry companies will have another two years to provide service to Mackinac Island. The city's Mayor, Margaret Doud was in the forefront of the city council last Wednesday when she proposed all three ferry companies be granted a two-year franchise. Monday morning, the council went to a vote, and unanimously agreed to award all three companies a two year contract.
"I think it's a workable decision. It will give the city time to gather facts and get information and make sure all terms and conditions are met for the next two years for all ferry lines," said Doud.
Arnold Transit, Star Line, and Shepler's ferry will all have an equal opportunity to offer the service next year. However, the city stressed the new franchise will have new terms and conditions, including schedules, franchise fees, and fares.
"I know the issuance of more than one franchise is fine, but it all depends on what the terms are, and we're going to work with the city to move forward and determine what those terms are," said Jim Wynn, owner of Arnold Line.
"I thought they would be a little more defined in their terms of what they were going to require of the three ferry boat franchises, but I guess we'll have to wait and see on that," said Chris Shepler of Shepler’s Ferry.
The city plans to use the next two years to evaluate the service and decide on what they feel is best for the community.
"I think it will give the city time to make some informed decisions about what is best for the transportation service to Mackinac Island," said Doud.
The city plans to schedule meetings with the ferry boat companies as they work on details of the new franchises.
They'll have until March 31st to decide the new terms and conditions.
