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NEWS RELEASE (CNS980) -->> CNS980--TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC
WORKS--ANNUAL FERRY PASSES




CNS980--TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS--ANNUAL FERRY PASSES
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Annual ferry passes for passenger vehicles using the provincial
ferry system can now be purchased through Registry of Motor
Vehicle offices in Digby, Bridgewater, Baddeck, Sydney and
Antigonish.

This initiative is in response to public requests for installment
payments for annual passes. By purchasing passes at RMV offices,
passengers can either pay for their passes upfront with a lump
sum payment, or quarterly using post-dated cheques. Previously,
annual passes were available only through ferry captains.

"We wanted to make it easier for frequent commuters to take
advantage of annual ferry passes by giving them a choice in how
they pay for passes," said Transportation and Public Works
Minister Don Downe. "With the help of Business and Consumer
Services, ferry users can buy their passes in four smaller
payments."

The cost of an annual pass is $250. Quarterly installments are
$62.50. The fee is pro-rated depending on the date of purchase.
For example, a traveller buying a pass on Aug. 16 will pay $41.67
for the balance of that quarter, and $62.50 for the final
quarter--a total of $104.17 to cover the remainder of the year.

RMV offices are part of the Department of Business and Consumer
Services. BCS provides Nova Scotians access to dozens of
government services.

"We focus on delivering quality government services to Nova
Scotians and this joint initiative is a great example of how we
do so," said Business and Consumer Services Minister Sandy Jolly.
"The customer is more concerned with access to service than they
are with who provides it. We are happy to cooperate with
Transportation and Public Works to make it more convenient for
Nova Scotians to purchase annual ferry passes."

Passenger vehicles include cars, minivans, trucks weighing less
than one tonne, and motorcycles.

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Contact: Chris Welner 902-424-8687
         David MacNeil 902-424-2933