BVI News

Ferry companies to reduce schedule for next few weeks

Native Son ferry

A notice has been issued about a temporary reduction being placed on the ferry departure schedules of some local ferry companies which transfer passengers to and from St Thomas in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands.

A joint media release issued by three of the ferry companies – Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son, and Smith’s Ferry Services – said precautionary measures must be put in place as the territory enters the heart of the 2022 hurricane season.

With effect from September 14 and for the next five weeks, the ferry companies said they will be operating on a temporarily reduced schedule.

The proposed adjusted schedule, the release said, will be used until October 22, at which time it is anticipated that the demand for travel will begin to increase, and the territory will be on the exit end of the hurricane season.

According to the statement, the 11:30 am and 2:30 pm departures from Road Town are suspended, except for Fridays and Saturdays when the 2:30 pm will be operated. Further to this, the 9 am and 2:30 pm departures from Charlotte Amalie are suspended, again except for Fridays and Saturdays when a 9:30 am will be operated.

The companies said they remain committed to the people of the BVI and are diligently monitoring their online bookings at this time.

It was noted that this allows us the ability to pre-determine when an increase in capacity is needed so that additional trips and/or larger vessels can be added to meet the demand.

To expedite the check-in process, all travellers were reminded that check-in time is 45 minutes before departure.

Travellers were also reminded that the schedule is subject to change or be suspended in the event of adverse weather conditions.

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15 Comments

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  1. helpful says:

    It would be super helpful if you included the actual schedule.

    Like 29
  2. west says:

    Need to drop their prices too

    Like 30
    Dislike 1
  3. Business Wise says:

    If some of you owned a business, some of your prices would be just as bad or worst. Have you stopped to consider the overhead costs to run these boats while trying to maintain a profit margin. Soon some of us will ask stone to produce blood if it will help you keep money in your own pockets.

    Like 5
    Dislike 23
  4. Boycott says:

    Boycott them all. Rubbish service for unreasonable prices!

    Like 14
    Dislike 1
  5. Hustle says:

    Iam most thankful for the services of the ferries.
    They are my saving grace.
    I cannot swim.
    I am not I n a financial position I n to charter a flight.
    Their fees are remarkably low, all things considered.
    Without them ,I would have to learn how to swim .

    A million Thanks to these BVIslanders with their century old generational ferry and boat operations.

    Like 7
    Dislike 8
  6. Y Que? says:

    What happened to locals who travel from St.Thomas to Tortola? Just because it’s “slow season” doesn’t mean that locals don’t support their own. Pure Rubbish. Reminder during the storm and pandemic it was locals that kept businesses going.

    Like 6
    Dislike 2
  7. Great move. says:

    This is lovely. Competitors working together to bring best results for themselves and the public..

  8. Dawn says:

    Would have been nice to know this sooner! Also, your websites should reflect this new policy… I was able to book a ferry on your rtff site that would not be honored (I found out after the fact) and now I can’t get a refund!! Due to your policy.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  9. vi says:

    i don’t see why going just to st thomas has to be over $100.need to drop the price

  10. De Piper says:

    Hardly anyone goes to St. Thomas anymore. St. Thomas hurting, they even advertising to other islands. They miss all the Chi ching that Tola people gave them. I understand the ferry prices bc fuel is high, but fact is not many people can afford it right now.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  11. @vi says:

    Solution.

    Charter or purchase a yacht
    Or Charter/ purchase a

    You have choices right?

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  12. Stay Put says:

    @ vi
    Luxury does not come cheap.
    How about you taking personal responsibility and finding a life you can afford or living within your means. Going to St Thomas is not a must do. You go if you can afford the cost of the luxury.
    No private owner owes you a free ride on their hard earned property.

    Like 2
    Dislike 4
  13. 1st district original says:

    @boycot, I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!! WE HAVE ENOUGH PRIVATE BOATS IN BVI, TO CHARTER FOR A FAMILY OR FEW FRIENDS FO A DAY TRIP INTO STT FOR SHOPPING. THE BEST WAY TO GET THEIR ATTENTION IS TO HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS. THEY ARE SO DARM GREEDY THAT IT’S A NORM TO THEM. THE LAST ONE TO JOIN IS ALSO BRAINLESS. INSTED OF LOW PRICE TICKETSPREFER TO JOIN THEM TO ALSO COLLECT LESS PAX. WHAT AH SET AH BRAIN DEAD PEOPLE. ALSO SAME WORK AND CUSTOMER WORK ETHICS!! SMH

  14. Concern says:

    Only people who make an honest living can understand.
    Those who live the fast life fast money will not even take the time to understand. Take your time, every pig has it’s day.

  15. employee says:

    Soon there wont be ferry service as they do what they want because the Minister looking votes. None of this group has anything on aquatic rentals.

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