MACKINAW CITY, Mich. (AP) - Mackinac Island’s oldest and longest-running ferry boat company is leaving the passenger business and selling its boats to a competitor.
The financially-struggling Arnold Transit Co. is preparing to halt all passenger service to the island for the first time since the 1800s, leaving just two ferry boat services to the island next summer, the Detroit Free Press (https://on.freep.com/2fjFHe0 ) reported.
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry officials announced Thursday that it tentatively plans to buy six of the Arnold boats, as well as its boatyard and several docks. Terms of the sale, which is expected to close in coming weeks, haven’t been disclosed.
A representative of Arnold ferry could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Star Line CEO Jerry Fetty said his company plans to refurbish the six Arnold vessels and reintroduce them as Star Line boats.
“Star Line is looking forward to increasing and improving options for our passengers while keeping the historic boats and properties that families have grown to love over the years, operational,” Fetty said
The company said it has no intentions to raise the $26 basic walk-up fare to Mackinac Island.
“At this time I don’t envision any adjustment in the prices,” Fetty said.
In 1878 George Arnold started the Arnold ferry company. Until 2010 the company was owned by the family of Prentiss Brown. It was then sold to James Wynn and group of investors.
New managers took over in 2013 after the Arnold line came under financial stress.
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Information from: Detroit Free Press, https://www.freep.com
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