ST. JOHN’S: The federal government’s decision to cut ferry fares in half has resulted in a significant increase in both passenger and vehicle traffic across Atlantic Canada, according to new reports.
Between August 1 and September 25, the Bay Ferries route operating between Saint John and Digby reported a 34% increase in passengers and a 39% increase in vehicles compared to the same period last year.
Marine Atlantic, which operates ferry services between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, has also experienced a notable rise in bookings. Darrell Mercer, Corporate Communications Manager for Marine Atlantic, stated that the company recorded over 38,000 new bookings since August 1.
The reduced rates for Eastern Canada, including those for Marine Atlantic, are anticipated to remain in effect until at least 2029, according to Flavio Nino, a Communications Advisor for Transport Canada. Nino suggested that the fare reductions will help build a stronger economy by lowering barriers to inter-provincial trade.
The fare reduction follows a commitment made by Mark Carney during his election campaign, which included cutting Confederation Bridge tolls from $50 to $20 and halving the ferry rates in Atlantic Canada.
