In an effort to improve communication with Islanders, the Steamship Authority will hold a special public meeting Tuesday, March 10, at the regional high school’s performing arts center.

The Steamship Authority board of governors holds public meetings monthly throughout the year, including two meetings on both of the islands. Most of the meetings take place on the Cape, but ferry fares can be waived for island residents who wish to attend.

The idea for a special meeting came up in January in the midst of public outcry over rate increases that went into effect this year. At a Dukes County commission meeting in January, Vineyard Steamship Authority governor Marc Hanover strongly defended the Steamship Authority against an online petition calling for the repeal or suspension of the increases, but agreed that communication between the company and the public could be improved.

Public concerns have also focused on the cost of several capital projects that are in the works, including a new terminal in Woods Hole.

At the special meeting, “the focus will be the new terminal and the concerns people have,” said county commission chairman Leon Brathwaite, who will facilitate the meeting.

At its regular meeting in January, the Steamship Authority board responded to the petition, with boat line management standing by the rate increases. Several citizens that attended the meeting indicated a need for greater transparency and more information about how the company operates.

The Steamship Authority board of governors’ next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, at 9:30 a.m. in Woods Hole. The special meeting on the Vineyard will begin at 6 p.m.