April 11, 2003 – Because of dwindling ridership and demands for maintenance, the V.I. Fast Ferry has reduced its service between St. Thomas and St. Croix, according to Kevin Matthews, director of operations for the ferry's parent company, Boston Harbor Cruises.
In order to ensure that the 600-passenger Salacia will be able to provide service for V.I. Carnival at the end of April and start of May, there will be no regularly scheduled service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the remainder of the season, and no mid-day service at all.
"Our overall numbers are down compared to the past two years, and we can't justify starting that boat up" for the full schedule, Matthews said. The costs of fuel, maintenance and crew outweigh the benefits of making the regular number of trips, he said.
"Carnival is coming up, and we don't have a maintenance division," Matthews said, adding that servicing is being done now to "make sure everything is good for Carnival." The Salacia will offer expanded service from April 30 to May 5, he said, and that will be the end of its service this season.
Until then, the new schedule is as follows: On Monday, Thursday and Friday the ferry departs St. Croix at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., and it departs St. Thomas at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the ferry departs St. Croix at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and it departs St. Thomas at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
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