Navigating the Waves: The Story of The Steamship Authority

Commencing January 4, 2025, all vehicle transit on the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard route will require a reservation. Standby travel for cars will not be permitted.

Car reservations can be done online at www.steamshipauthority.com, at a terminal, or by contacting our Reservation Office from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

However, if you are a Preferred or Excursion customer, you are welcome to utilize the Blue Line for any last-minute travel necessities.

Frequently asked questions about switching to reservation-only travel

What is the Blue Line? Consider it as a standby line for islanders. On Reservation-Only Days at the Woods Hole and Vineyard Haven terminals, a maximum of 12 vehicles at once can join the Blue Line for standby travel.

Who is eligible to use the Blue Line? You must be a current member of the Preferred or Excursion program to access the Blue Line.

Is the Blue Line always accessible? No, the access to the Blue Line can be paused or halted at any moment by the terminal agent on duty, depending on vehicle space requirements at our terminal.

Do I need to cancel my reservation to join the Blue Line? Not anymore! If you’re aiming to travel earlier than your reservation on the day of travel, you are not required to give up your reservation.

What are some recommendations for traveling on the Blue Line? 

• Maintain an updated Preferred or Excursion account. Ensure your vehicle details are accurate and current, and confirm that your contact information is correct.
• When the check-in booth provides you with a Blue Line placard, ensure it is visible to the terminal personnel.
• Stay informed on our website for updates regarding weather and operational changes. If trips get canceled, the Blue Line may be temporarily suspended until reservations are fulfilled.
• Avoid parking or lingering in the pick-up or drop-off areas while waiting to enter the Blue Line.
• Do not contact the Reservation Office unless you are attempting to book travel—they won’t be able to assist you in accessing the Blue Line.
• Bring your patience and kindness! This will be a challenging transition for everyone, including our staff; we will continually evaluate and adapt this process as we gain insights from its implementation.

Other frequently-asked questions about transitioning to reservation-only travel

Why is the Steamship Authority discontinuing standby travel? We are currently undergoing construction projects on the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard route, resulting in space limitations at the terminal. Since we have reduced space for standby vehicles, we are shifting to reservation-only travel to more effectively manage traffic at the terminals.

What is the duration of this change? Will it be implemented this summer? We are transitioning to reservation-only days during the winter on a trial basis lasting 90 days, but it may be extended. Decisions regarding the summer travel season and standby travel will be taken at that point.