Steamship Authority Launches Year-Round Discount Program For Veterans

The Steamship Authority (SSA) has launched a year-round discounted passenger travel program for qualified veterans living in its port communities, expanding upon its annual free travel promotion for current and former military members on Veterans Day.

The new Veterans Discount Program was authorized by the SSA Board at its August meeting. The program offers qualified veterans a reduced fare for passenger tickets, which is the same discount currently offered to senior citizens. To be eligible, veterans must live in one of the Authority’s five port communities — Barnstable, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Falmouth, or New Bedford — and be able to prove an honorable discharge from a branch of the U.S. military.

The discount is approximately half off the cost of a passenger ticket on one of the SSA’s conventional ferries serving Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, or approximately 25 percent off the cost of a ticket on the high-speed, passenger-only ferry that serves the Hyannis-Nantucket route.

Additionally, all veterans — including active duty, military veterans, and retired military veterans — who have a valid military ID showing their active duty, honorable discharge or retired status can travel as a passenger for free on all Steamship Authority ferries, including both conventional ferries and the Nantucket high-speed ferry, on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Veterans with a Real ID indicating their veteran status may also use this as a method of identification. This free travel offer is valid only for the active-duty military person, veteran or retired military veteran and does not include any other passengers, or the passage of a vehicle.

On November 11, 2026, veterans can obtain a complimentary passenger ticket at any Steamship Authority ticket office prior to boarding.

“The new veterans discount program is a small way that the Steamship Authority can thank the men and women who have served our country,” said Steamship Authority general manager Alex Kryska. “Veterans are important members of our communities, and we’re proud to demonstrate our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.”