Statement on the Michigan Public Service Commission Decision to temporarily suspend their hearings

Statement by Daniel Cherrin, attorney on behalf of Mackinac Island, Mich. On the Michigan Public Service Commission Decision to temporarily suspend their hearings
By: Daniel Cherrin
 
May 10, 2011 - PRLog -- MACKINAC ISLAND, MICH. – In November 2010, the City of Mackinac Island said it would issue a franchise agreement to the ferry operators who would apply and agree to operate on the same terms and conditions as each other. In fact, in November 2010 and again in January 2011, the City said that franchises would be offered to all three companies on the same terms and conditions for all of the boat companies, unless the three ferry boat companies and the City agreed on some special terms for one or more of the ferry boat companies.  None of the boat companies, however, came to an agreement.

Last month, the City of Mackinac Island approved the applications of Northern Ferry Company, LLC and Shepler’s, Inc., for two-year franchises to operate ferryboats to and from the City of Mackinac Island.  Northern Ferry Company is a new company formed by Arnold Transit Co. and Star Line.

With both ferry companies operating and servicing the Island, the City of Mackinac Island filed a motion yesterday, to dismiss the case before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) as moot. Earlier today, the MPSC temporarily suspended the public hearings scheduled for May 16 and 17 in St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and Mackinaw City, until further notice.

From the beginning, the City of Mackinac Island was concerned about ticket prices and the length of service to and from the Island, during the winter. On behalf of Mackinac Island residents and businesses, the City of Mackinac Island advocated and achieved:

•   Lower ticket prices;
•   Price competition among the ferry boat companies; and,
•   Guaranteed winter service for the Island residents.

In fact, for the first time there is actual ticket price competition among the ferryboat companies.

With the tourist season now upon us, we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Mackinac Island.

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About Fraser Trebilcock
Fraser Trebilcock is one of Michigan’s longest-established full-service law firms. Since 1883 Fraser Trebilcock has been providing preeminent legal services and representation to small and large businesses, individuals, governmental entities, and associations. With offices in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Washington, D.C., and through its association with the State Capital Group, Fraser Trebilcock has access to a global network of independent law firms. More information is available at www.fraserlawfirm.com | www.statecapitalgroup.org.
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Source:Daniel Cherrin
Email:***@fraserlawfirm.com Email Verified
Tags:Mackinac Island, Shepler's Ferry, Northern Ferry, Michigan
Industry:Tourism, Business, Transportation
Location:Lansing - Michigan - United States
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