MACKINAC ISLAND --
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry owners have stopped extended season service to the island as of 5 p.m. Monday and immediately will begin reimbursing customers who want refunds on season passes.
Shepler's was granted a two-year franchise by city officials, as were Arnold Transit Co. and Star Line. Terms of the franchises have not been set, but city officials said they would stipulate unprecedented city control over ticket prices, schedules and length of season offered by all three private ferry operators.
"We're committed to working with city officials, but service to our customers cannot be jeopardized," said Chris Shepler, vice president of Shepler's. "First and foremost, we will make good with all of our devoted customers. Shepler's simply wants the opportunity to continue providing them with the island's premier ferry service. We are proceeding under the assumption that the new franchise agreement will help us do that. But we will be vigilant about monitoring the situation because we want to make sure it does."
The decision to suspend service follows the city's threat to begin fining the company for every day Shepler's continues to operate in the extended season, which started Nov. 3. So far Shepler's has received tickets for Thursday and Friday. The amount of the fines has not yet been set by the island's district court, Shepler said, but he fears it could be in the thousands.
The city claims Shepler's is operating in the extended season in violation of its franchise. However, Shepler's attorneys maintain the franchise does not require the company to end service on Oct. 31 and that the company is operating legally.
"We appreciate the unwavering support of our customers and are committed to making sure they are not inconvenienced by the city's action," Shepler said. "Our customers aren't losing anything by holding on to the season tickets, but we want to make sure every single one of them is happy."
Full refunds for $75 season passes issued since Nov. 3 are available at the Shepler's office in St. Ignace during regular business hours, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Shepler said he didn't expect a rush on refunds because season tickets are good throughout the 2011 season and cost the same no matter when they are purchased during the year.
