Government of the United States Virgin Islands 
Public Services Commission 
psc.vi.gov 
psc.info@psc.vi.gov 
 
 
 
 
P.O. Box 40 St. Thomas, VI 00804 
1003 Estate Ross Suite 4, St. 
Thomas, VI, 00802
(340) 776-1291  
P.O. Box 7360 Christiansted, VI 00823 
Estate Carlton Suite 1 & 2 Frederiksted, 
St. Croix, VI, 00840 
(340) 778-6010  
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
006-26-02 
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 
Media Contact: 
Symra Hendrickson – Public Communication Coordinator 
(340) 776-1291 
symra.hendrickson@psc.vi.gov  
 
PSC Approves Temporary Ferry Fuel Surcharge and Advances Ferry Rate 
Review 
U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Public Services Commission (PSC) approved a 
temporary 66-cent per-ticket emergency fuel surcharge for the St. Thomas/St. John Ferry, 
Franchise operators during its June meeting. The surcharge will remain in effect for 90 days and 
was approved alongside a waiver of the standard 30-day public notice requirement. 
The Commission’s action follows petitions submitted by ferry operators citing significant increases 
in diesel fuel costs resulting from global market disruptions and geopolitical events affecting fuel 
supply chains. 
PSC staff and consultants reviewed fuel-cost data and operational information before 
recommending the temporary surcharge. Calculations presented during the meeting determined 
that a 66-cent surcharge would help offset documented increases in fuel expenses while 
maintaining service continuity. 
In addition to approving the surcharge, the Commission continued discussions regarding ferry-
system transparency and long-term rate structures. Commissioners reviewed recommendations 
from the Hearing Examiner’s final report concerning the St. John ferry franchises, including 
proposals for independent third-party ticketing systems, enhanced auditing procedures, and 
additional review of labor and fuel expenses. 
Chairman David Hughes emphasized the need for stronger fuel-consumption verification methods 
during future audits. 
“The goal here at the end of the day is we want to understand how much fuel is consumed in a 
year, or a month, or a quarter, so that we can use that to determine whether or not the fuel 
projection expense that is being offered to us in the reports by the ferry boat companies is 
accurate,” Hughes said. 
The Commission also opened discussions on future fare structures aimed at providing greater 
affordability for Virgin Islands residents while maintaining the financial viability of ferry 
operations. Concepts discussed included reduced resident fares and potential fare adjustments for 
students, seniors, and commuters. 
PSC staff will continue reviewing ferry operational data, fuel and labor audits, and revenue 
requirements before presenting additional recommendations to the Commission at a future 
meeting. 
The Public Services Commission remains committed to ensuring that ferry services throughout the 
Territory remain safe, reliable, transparent, and financially sustainable for residents and visitors 
alike. 
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