Commercial traffic not included in upcoming toll cuts

Despite the cuts to bridge and ferry tolls in P.E.I., commercial traffic will not benefit from the reduction.

Atlantic Canadians are seeing a mix of savings and disappointment after the federal government announced cuts to bridge and ferry tolls. While Confederation Bridge tolls will drop to $20 this Friday and some ferry fares will be slashed, not everyone is benefiting.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Albany, P.E.I., Monday said, “We would cut the fares on the Eastern Ferries and Marine Atlantic in half, and today we’re making good on those promises.”

The announcement included a 50 per cent fare reduction for commercial trucks on some Maritime ferries, but Marine Atlantic, which serves Newfoundland, is not included in the discount.

Chris McKee of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association expressed his disappointment, stating, “Our understanding from Marine Atlantic Is that commercial traffic will not benefit from this 50 per cent reduction in fares which is rather disappointing.”

Transportation and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland noted the importance of Marine Atlantic for Newfoundland’s supply chain, saying, “Nearly 65 per cent of goods to and from Newfoundland are transported by Marine Atlantic. That includes fresh produce, medical supplies in home heating fuel cutting those costs means more reliable supply chain and lower prices for consumers.”

McKee argues the lack of discounts on Marine Atlantic ferries will negate those benefits.

“Unfortunately, this reduction, while great for tourists and for passenger traffic, sure will likely not lead to any decreases in the price of moving freight to and from Newfoundland, which of course, is ultimately passed along to the consumer,” said McKee.

Bay Ferries and Northumberland Ferries will implement the 50 per cent discount for commercial traffic. Marine Atlantic will freeze rates but offer no additional discount.

In a statement to CTV, a Marine Atlantic spokesperson said, “From Marine Atlantic’s perspective, we are a federal Crown Corporation that reports to Transport Canada. We will work with them regarding funding decisions that will help offset this loss of revenue, while delivering on their commitment and maintaining an effective service for our customers.”

Despite the Marine Atlantic situation, McKee believes the cuts to other ferry services will provide some relief to the trucking industry.

“This change could save a medium sized carrier on the island with, let’s say 75 to 80 trucks, close to $150,000-$175,000 a year.”

McKee also pointed out the $1,300 cost of sending a truck from North Sydney to Port aux Basques is significant, and discounts on that route are needed, given the high volume of exports to Newfoundland.

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