A hearing on whether to uphold a fare increase that went into effect last year for Casco Bay Lines will be held Tuesday before the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

The Casco Bay Island Transit District raised rates last year to offset declining ridership and create a reserve fund, but islanders complained to the PUC, which asked its staff to look into the matter. The staff concluded the increase was reasonable, but the commission decided that the intense interest among islanders warranted a hearing.

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Casco Bay Lines plans to replace the Machigonne II, which is 31 years old. A $6 million federal grant will help it do that.
Casco Bay Lines plans to replace the Machigonne II, which is 31 years old. A $6 million federal grant will help it do that. File photo

The two-hour session is set for 10 a.m., at the PUC’s headquarters, 101 Second St., Hallowell.

Although the public can testify Tuesday, the three-member panel won’t decide the case until some time in the future.

The session can be heard on the Internet. Go to www.maine.gov/mpuc and click on the audio button (or click on the calendar item there and do the same).

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