CTC’S HISTORY
1970’s
CTC was incorporated by islanders in 1971, recognizing the need for improved access to the island.
CTC’s first vessel was a 36-foot fishing boat, the Polly-Lin II, capable of carrying 23 passengers. Initially a privately owned and operated water taxi, the boat was acquired by CTC in 1975. The Polly-Lin II was a wooden boat and thus not ideal for winter operations.
The search began for a winter vessel capable of withstanding the ice. The Big Squaw joined the fleet in 1977. She was an aging boat in need of repairs (and not beloved by riders) but served as our primary vessel until we built the Islander. She remained our winter back-up vessel for nearly 20 years.
1980’s
In the early 1980s, the CTC board, looking to future growth and changing needs, commissioned construction of a steel-hulled, 52-foot ferry, with capacity for 119 passengers and freight, and capable of reliably operating year-round. The Islander was launched in 1985. By the time the Islander turned 30, she had traveled enough miles between Chebeague and Cousins Island (a distance of 1.7 miles) to circle the moon and be half-way home. She remains in service as CTC’s back-up vessel.
2000’s
CTC’s status as a for-profit company was in name only. Shareholders never sought a dividend, instead urging that any profits be reinvested in the company. In 2014, the long-term financial viability of CTC prompted the board of directors to seek nonprofit status, qualifying the company for grants or low-interest loans. The day was coming when a new passenger vessel would be required to replace the aging Islander.
In its nonprofit request to the Internal Revenue Service, CTC argued it “lessened the burdens of government,” citing the critical public services the company provides to Chebeague — services that otherwise would fall on island taxpayers. With the strong support of the community, the Town of Chebeague and state and federal legislators, non-profit status was granted by the IRS later that year.
In 2014 CTC was converted into a 501c3 nonprofit corporation, recognizing the need for accessible transportation for school children, workers and emergency personnel, as well as for islanders reliant on services available only on the mainland.
A history of CTC notes that the company was “founded, and continues to operate, with the old Yankee do-it-yourself philosophy stemming from the independence required for isolated island living.” And so, what better name for CTC’s new boat but the Independence?
On July 19, 2019, Chebeaguers headed to East Boothbay, Maine, to celebrate the launch of the Independence which glided down the ways at Washburn & Doughty, her builder (as well as the Islander). The 56-foot-long steel ferry, with a capacity of 119 passengers, with state-of-the-art safety equipment, became the primary vessel for CTC.
CTC handles 90% of all traffic between the mainland and Chebeague Island, making almost 4,000 scheduled trips annually. The company carries about 140,000 passengers each year and provides seasonal barging with the Dovekie, a push-boat, transporting vehicles and heavy freight. CTC provides no-cost emergency rescue service 24 hours a day, averaging between 75 and 100 trips per year.
Since its creation a half-century ago, the Chebeague Transportation Company has served as the bridge that sustains Chebeague Island and all who call it home.