Prudence Island Ferry Service Receives 'No Confidence' Vote

The Prudence Island Planning Commission cast votes this past Saturday on the services provided by the Prudence Island Ferry Service Inc. 

The commission, which was tasked by the Portsmouth Town Council to endorse one of two ferry services, cast a straw vote this past Saturday, reports The Portsmouth Times. 

Seventeen of the board's 25 members cast a "no confidence" vote in the Prudence Island Ferry Service Inc., according to The Portsmouth Times. 

Currently, two companies - the Prudence Island Ferry Service Inc., owned by Bruce Medley since the mid-1980s, and a new company, A&R Marine - are seeking permission to operate the only public ferry service to the island. This vote by the PIPC might assist in the final decision. 

The issue of ferry service began when Bruce Medley, who has owned and operated the Prudence Island Ferry since the mid-1980s, announced he would retire last year. 

Medley originally said the ferry service would end on Dec. 1; however, he later took back this statement. The Prudence Island Ferry Service does not plan on closing now. 

However, the retirement announcement set into motion a discussion about ferry services. 

A new company, A&R Marine, which would operate as Prudence and Bay Islands Transport, has submitted its application to the RI Public Utilities and Carriers Commission. 

Want to read more about this issue? Check out our previous coverage here: 

Council Passes Ferry Choice To Prudence Island Committee

Two Couples Vie for Prudence Island Ferry Service

PUC To Investigate Prudence Island Ferry Inc.

Bristol Buys Prudence Island Ferry Dock for $800K

Town of Bristol Seeks Say in Prudence Island Ferry…

What do you think about the "no confidence" vote? Tell us in the comment section below!