News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--CHANGES IN FERRY SERVICES ANNOUNCED ----------------------------------------------------------------- After an extensive review of provincial ferry service operations, the Department of Transportation and Public Works has adopted a series of recommendations "that will protect the long-term sustainability of ferry services, while respecting community support for 24 hour service," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Richie Mann. "I'm confident that our decisions are in keeping with recommendations brought forward by several joint committees involving community representatives and department staff," Mr. Mann said. The changes, effective July 15, 1996, include: an increase in cable ferry fares to 75 cents for ticket holders and $1.75 for cash fares. The new fares will apply to ferry services in LaHave, Country Harbour, Englishtown and Little Narrows. Fares, which had remained the same for decades, were 20 cents for ticket holders and 50 cents for cash fares at LaHave, Country Harbour and Englishtown and 10 cents for ticket holders and 25 cents for cash fares at Little Narrows. While some committees had recommended higher cable ferry rates, the department prefers to strike a balance between proposed rates and to apply the new rate consistently across the province, the minister said. Also effective July 15, the Tancook Island passenger ferry service will increase to $2 (round trip) for ticket holders and $5 (round trip) for cash fares. The rate takes into account that no charges are placed on transporting goods and services to island residents. Previous to these changes, the department charged $1 (round trip). As well, there will be an increase in the Petite and Grand Passage ferry service to 50 cents for ticket holders and $1 for cash fares. Previous fares were 20 cents for ticket holders and 50 cents for cash fares. Trucks and buses will be subject to higher rates ranging from $5 on cable ferry services to $3 at Grand and Petite Passage. However, the department will negotiate annual rates for businesses that use the ferry services regularly. Special rates will also be negotiated with school boards that rely on ferry services. In addition, annual passes, at a cost of $250, will also be available to frequent commuters. It was also announced that 24-hour service will be maintained in all ferry service operations, with more frequent crossings at LaHave and Country Harbour during peak travel periods. The increased service will be provided as long as there is a sufficient volume of traffic. Mr. Mann also said that the department will conduct an internal analysis to determine the feasibility of a public-private partnership to build a fixed crossing at Englishtown, and, this year, the department will also pave approximately four kilometres of Portage Road, which is the alternate route for Little Narrows ferry users. As part of the review, the minister said the department will consider selling one of two spare ferries in Digby Neck for a one-time capital savings, which would enable the department to further reduce operating expenditures for ferry services. The Department of Transportation and Public Works began working with community groups after public meetings were held to discuss ways to reduce an annual operating cost of over $4 million for ferry services. Changes to fare structures will reduce the operating cost of ferry service by an estimated $680,000 this fiscal year. "The effort these community representatives gave to this review is evident in the high quality of the four separate reports the department received. We will continue to work closely with community representatives to identify other ways to promote service and generate revenues thereby protecting ferry services in the future," Mr. Mann said. -30- Contact: Public Affairs and Communications 902-424-8687 trp June 11, 1996 - 12:00 p.m.