TERMS & CONDITIONS
RHODE ISLAND FAST FERRY, INC.
TERMS, CONDITIONS, RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PASSENGERS ABOARD VESSELS OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE COMPANY BETWEEN QUONSET POINT, RHODE ISLAND AND MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Issued by:
Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc.
d/b/a Vineyard Fast Ferry
Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc. (RIFF) for the purpose of these rules and regulations will be known as “The Company”.
A passenger is any person who has paid for and/or has in their possession a valid ticket, issued by the company.
Passenger fares and schedules refer to currently published brochure and information currently posted at The Company website –www.fastferry.com.
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE:
Rhode Island Fast Ferry
1347 Roger Williams Way
North Kingstown, RI 02852
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Transportation of passengers and baggage is provided by The Company, and is governed by the terms and conditions set out herein. The Company’s responsibility extends only from embarkation to disembarkation. The Company reserves the right to change these Terms & Conditions at any time without notice.
1 – DEFINITIONS:
1.1 One – Way: Any trip that has completed one leg of travel in any direction and terminates in a port that is not the port of origin
1.2 Group: 15 persons or more traveling together on all segments of the trip will be classed as a group.
1.3 Adult: Any person who has reached their 13th birthday will be considered an adult.
1.4 Senior Citizen: Any person who has reached 60 years of age will be considered a senior citizen.
1.5 Infant: Any person who 3 years of age or less.
1.6 Child: Any person that is between his or her 4th and 12th birthday will be classed as a child.
1.7 Commuter Book: A discounted book of ten (10) one-way tickets sold to and redeemable by a single individual.
1.8 Currency: All charges noted on The Company website and in The Company’s brochures, on board the ferry, or in The Company’s terminals will be, as indicated, in U.S. dollars (cash or credit card) unless otherwise noted.
1.9 Schedules: The Company reserves the right to change or alter the schedule to meet traffic demands.
2 – SPECIAL FARES:
2.1 All reduced fares must be requested at time of reservation. All special fares are subject to conditions for travel established by the Company. Special fares will only be applicable on certain dates, departures, and seat availability may be limited. Senior citizens, upon proof of age, may be eligible to travel at a published discounted tariff.
3 – BOARDING PASS VALIDITY AND TIME LIMITS:
3.1 The Company reserves the right to establish advance booking purchase time limits. The Company reserves the right to automatically cancel any reservation that has not met the advance booking purchase time limit. The issuance of a boarding pass and receipt by the Company of the applicable fare will be a confirmation of the passenger’s reservation. The Company reserves the right to collect a surcharge on the fare paid if an increase has occurred prior to the commencement of travel. There is no guaranteed fare if ticketed in advance. Boarding passes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Boarding passes are valid only for the date and time shown on the document. All tickets, boarding passes, fares and passages are one-way only and passengers are under no obligation to purchase return trips, whether such tickets are purchased separately or together with other services. The Company reserves the right to refuse to accept any boarding pass that has been mutilated, lost, or stolen. A ticket, boarding pass is considered valid only after it has been properly endorsed by The Company. The Company shall not be liable in the event of a ticket, boarding pass loss, destruction, or theft, or if the ticket is honored for transportation or refund when presented by any other person. Tickets, boarding passes are only valid for travel during the year that they are purchased. The Company reserves the right to refuse cash or credit card refunds on any purchase or unused boarding pass. The Company will hold a credit for future travel for the amount of the unused reservation. The passenger will contact the Reservations Department and identify themselves including the Booking Number of the unused trip to use the credit being held in the reservations system.
4 – LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED TICKETS:
4.1 Your tickets have value. Please safeguard your tickets as you would cash. Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc. is not liable for lost, stolen, misplaced or destroyed tickets.
5 – TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL:
5.1 You cannot travel on lost tickets. To be able to travel, you must repurchase your tickets.
6 – GROUP TRAVEL AND DISCOUNT COMMUTER BOOK TRAVEL:
6.1 Group rate tickets or boarding passes must be purchased and paid in full a minimum of 30 days prior to travel. Group tickets or boarding passes are valid only for departures issued and are nonrefundable if not used. A group consists of 15 adult passengers or more. Cancellations made 30 to 15 days prior to travel may be eligible for a 50% credit. All passengers must travel on the same itinerary to receive the group fare. Reservations are booked in the name of the group. A group escort name and contact phone number is required. A list of names of all group members is required 15 days prior to departure. Check-in is required one hour before departure. Group escort must check-in on day of travel and distribute boarding passes to the individual group members. All terms and conditions apply to group passengers as well.
6.2 Commuter Book packages of ten (10) one-way tickets are sold for a discounted rate. Commuter Books are assigned to a single individual and can only be redeemed towards travel by that individual. Photo Identification confirmation of Commuter Book holder is required for ticket redemption. Commuter Book trips do not expire at the end of the operating season in which they were purchased. Should price of Commuter Books increase from one operating season to the next, a pro-rated fare increase will be levied in order to carry trips to the subsequent season.
6.3 As of May 23, 2013 the Commuter Book discount program has been discontinued. Existing Commuter Book holders will be issued a Travel Fund representing the total purchase value of their trips remaining. Each trip remaining from Commuter Books from prior years will be valued by dividing the total original purchase price by ten (10). Existing Commuter Book holders can apply Travel Funds towards full-fare tickets in the 2013 Operating Season. Commuter Books and associated Travel Funds are assigned to a single individual and can only be redeemed towards travel by that individual. Photo Identification confirmation of Commuter Book is required for ticket redemption.
7 – CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS:
7.1 The Company reserves the right to refuse any passenger holding a valid ticket or boarding pass that has not checked in at the departure terminal a minimum of 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
7.2 Luggage must be loaded and passengers on board no later than 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
7.3 Reservations for walk-on passengers not checked-in 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure will be canceled, with forfeiture of entire fare.
7.4 The Company may elect to establish a business class or frequent traveler service/reservation with special check-in considerations.
7.5 Each passenger must carry proper identification for security purposes.
7.6 All passengers and luggage are subject to security search prior to boarding and boarding our vessel and/or anytime while onboard our vessel. Passengers or persons who refuse to submit to a search will be denied boarding.
8 – ACCEPTANCE/NON-ACCEPTANCE OF PERSONS AND GOODS:
8.1 The Company reserves the right to refuse passage to any, person or luggage. Persons who do not comply with security inspections during check-in will be denied passage and may be escorted from the terminal by security personnel.
8.2 Unaccompanied Minor: The Company reserves the right not to accept any child or youth under the age of 17 years, unless accompanied by an adult passenger.
8.3 Pets: Pets are to be leashed at all times. The Company assumes no liability for pets. Any costs to the Company arising from a pet will be the responsibility of the passenger bringing the pet aboard.
8.4 Bikes: The Company will carry a limited number of bicycles at the established rate, when prior arrangements are made, space is available. Bikes will be stored on an outside deck while en route.
8.5 Firearms and Other Dangerous Goods: The Company will not accept for carriage firearms, ammunition, explosives, or any other form of goods considered dangerous. Any items confiscated by Customs may not be returned.
8.6 Wheelchair Passengers: The Company will accept for carriage passengers in wheelchairs on all vessels. If a wheelchair passenger is unable to care for himself or herself through the entire trip, he or she must be accompanied by a qualified attendant who will attend to those needs.
8.7 Peace Officers: The Company will accept for carriage any United States Officer who may be carrying a firearm, providing the Peace Officer provides documentation acceptable to the Company (at the time of booking) that the Officer will be traveling on official business, with the sanction of the government agency involved, and provide such supporting documentation as The Company may reasonably require.
9 – OPERATION OF THE VESSEL:
9.1 The Company will not accept any liability arising from an alteration in the published schedule or route. The Company does not guarantee that the service shall start or arrive at the time stated in the schedule and will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by the passenger as a result of any delay. The Company may cancel any scheduled operation without liability if in its opinion the safety of the passengers, crew, or vessel could be in danger or for any other reason in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion. The liability of The Company if any will cease when passengers are landed at any port. The Company reserves the right to substitute a vessel or cancel any operation entirely if it becomes necessary for any reason. The Company reserves the right to land at intermediate ports and/or ports beyond destination or to divert to alternate ports for safety and/or rescue purposes or such other purpose as may reasonably be determined by the Company. The Company may conclude the voyage at such ports without additional compensation to the Passenger.
10 – CANCELLATION AND DELAY POLICIES:
10.1 If the ferry is cancelled or delayed and a passenger chooses alternate transportation to or off the island the Rhode Island Fast Ferry will not be responsible for additional expenses incurred such as travel, transportation, hotel, food or any other additional expenses. If the passenger chooses alternate transportation he or she has the option to be fully refunded for that unused portion of the ticket or exchange it for a different trip. The unused ticket must be presented for a refund. Rhode Island Fast Ferry reserves the right to change its schedule, fares or route at any time and does not accept any liability arising from an alteration in the published schedule, fares or route or pay for any additional costs which may be incurred by its passengers. Rhode Island Fast Ferry reserves the right to land at alternate ports for safety and/or rescue purposes or such other purpose as may reasonably be determined by Rhode Island Fast Ferry.
10.2 Passenger Ticket Cancellation: ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Unless purchased with Assurance, all tickets are non-refundable. Modifications to your reservation must be made 24 hours prior to departure. If purchased without Assurance, a Modification Fee along with any fare difference will apply. With Assurance, only the fare difference will apply. If you fail to make your scheduled departure, your ticket will no longer be valid, and therefore you will be required to make a new reservation. You must contact us 24 hours prior to missing your scheduled trip to avoid ticket forfeiture.
10.3 Company Ferry Cancellation: Rhode Island Fast Ferry at its sole and absolute discretion reserves the right to cancel any scheduled trip and/or substitute a vessel without liability if it becomes necessary for any reason. Rhode Island Fast Ferry does not guarantee that the service shall depart or arrive at the time stated in the schedule and will not be liable for any additional travel costs incurred by the passenger as a result of any cancellation.
If the ferry is cancelled for any reason, the Company Policy is as follows:
QUONSET POINT, RHODE ISLAND DEPARTURES: Ticketed passengers who have not yet departed from Quonset Point will be offered either a full refund or Tickets can be exchanged for a different day. If possible passengers will be offered alternate transportation via Motor Coach to Woods Hole, Massachusetts and then transported to Martha’s Vineyard on an alternate ferry. If this alternative transportation option is possible it will be offered at the time of cancellation in exchange for their Quonset Point departure ferry ticket; therefore, there will be no Ticket refunds given. By using this option, Passengers will have the convenience of returning to Quonset Point on their return trip via our fast ferry to pick up their car or connect to the Providence Airport and/or Amtrak.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD DEPARTURES: Ticketed passengers who have not yet departed from Martha’s Vineyard will be offered either a full refund or Tickets can be exchanged for a different day. If possible ticketed passengers that are on Martha’s Vineyard at the time of the cancellation will be put on an alternate ferry which will arrive in Falmouth or Woods Hole, Massachusetts and then transported via motor coach to Quonset Point, Rhode Island. This alternative transportation option will be offered at the time of cancellation in exchange for their Martha’s Vineyard departure ferry ticket; therefore, there will be no Ticket refunds given. A passenger can also choose to use the Ticket on another day or if the passenger chooses to travel back to Quonset Point, RI on their own and not to use our alternative method of transportation back to Quonset Point, RI they will be offered a refund in exchange for their unused portion of their Ticket. The unused ticket must be presented for a refund.
10.4 Company Ferry Delays: Rhode Island Fast Ferry does not guarantee the trip will take 95 minutes and crossing times may vary due to weather, tides, sea conditions or mechanical issues. Rhode Island Fast Ferry can not be held liable for delays on the ferry due to any unforeseen circumstances such as weather, tides, sea conditions or mechanical issues. Rhode Island Fast Ferry does not guarantee that the service shall depart or arrive at the time stated in the schedule and will not be liable for any additional travel costs incurred by the passenger as a result of any delay
If the ferry is delayed for any reason, the Company Policy is as follows:
QUONSET POINT, RHODE ISLAND DEPARTURES: Ticketed passengers who have not yet departed from Quonset Point will have the option to exchange their ticket for a different trip or the passenger may choose to ride on the ferry operating on a delayed schedule.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD DEPARTURES: Ticketed passengers that are on Martha’s Vineyard at the time of delay can choose to exchange their ticket for a different trip or the passenger may choose to ride on the ferry operating on a delayed schedule.
11 – BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
11.1 Each passenger fare includes 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag. Suitcases and additional bags carry a cost, published on the Company website. Baggage dimensions and weights are published on the Company website. You will be required to carry on your own luggage and place it in the luggage area. Rhode Island Fast Ferry will not liable for loss or damage to passengers’ baggage or property.
12 – BAGGAGE ACCEPTANCE:
12.1 Rhode Island Fast Ferry can refuse to carry any article that the Company, in its sole judgment, considers harmful or dangerous to the vessel, passengers, crew, or other goods being transported. Rhode Island Fast Ferry will not liable for loss or damage to passengers’ baggage or property.
13 – FREIGHT, PACKAGES & OTHER ITEMS:
13.1 Items other than luggage such as Packages and Boxes will be subject to an additional charge depending on weight and size. Other items would include furniture, household goods, commercial products and boxed goods. All freight will be subject to an inspection prior to boarding. If the passenger or shipper refuses to submit to a search then the freight will be denied boarding. All Fees will be determined by weight and size at check in.
14 – PETS:
14.1 The Company will permit passengers to transport domesticated pets at no charge. Any pet must remain in an approved carrier or on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted on the passenger seats.
15 – SECURITY INSPECTIONS:
15.1 All passengers, personal items, luggage and freight may be subject to search and inspection prior to boarding our vessel and/or anytime while on board our vessel. Passengers or persons who refuse to submit to a search will be denied boarding.
16 – INCLUDED SERVICES:
16.1 Prices include transportation as specified in the itineraries and applicable taxes and fees. Prices do not include (without limitation) insurance of all kinds; phone calls; beverages; meals not detailed in the itinerary; gratuities to taxi, courtesy van, or tour drivers; items of a personal nature; excess baggage; optional excursions; or any other service.
17 – PASSENGER CONSENT:
17.1 Entering the passenger departure area of the terminal is deemed valid consent to screening or inspection: and failure to consent or submit to screening will result in denial or revocation of authorization to enter the vessel.
17.2 The passenger acknowledges that it has been provided by The Company with the opportunity to review The Company’s Privacy Policy, by way of notice on the Company’s website, and to consent or object to the use of the personal information in accordance with the said policy.
18 – PERSONAL INJURY AND DEATH:
18.1 The Company is not liable for any personal injury of death unless it receives written notification of the injury or death within six months of its occurrence from the injured passenger, their representative, or the representative of the estate of a deceased passenger, and unless suit is instituted in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island as an admiralty or maritime action, without demand for jury trial, within one year of the occurrence of the injury or death.
19 – FORUM SELECTION:
19.1 Each party agrees to personal jurisdiction in any action brought in any court, Federal or State, within the County of Washington, State of Rhode Island having subject matter jurisdiction over the matters arising under this Agreement. Any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall only be instituted in the County of Washington, State of Rhode Island. Each party waives any objection which it may have now or hereafter to the laying of the venue of such action or proceeding and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding.
20 – SEVERABILITY:
20.1 Any provision herein which shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable shall be considered null and void but only to that extent and the remainder of these terms and conditions shall stand as valid and enforceable.
