Arnold Transit Will Stop Service to Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island's oldest and longest running ferry boat company is getting out of the passenger business and selling its boats to a competitor.

The financially struggling Arnold Transit Co. is about to cease all passenger service to the island for the first time since the 19th Century, leaving just two ferry boat services to the island next summer;  Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry and Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry.

Star Line announced that is has a tentative deal to buy six of the Arnold boats, as well as the Arnold boatyard and several docks.

Star Line CEO Jerry Fetty said his company plans to refurbish the six Arnold vessels, five passenger ferries, one freight boat and reintroduce them as Star Line boats.  The Lansing State Journal has more information.