Discover Increased Ridership as East Coast Ferries Slashes Fares
The recent reduction of ferry fares has led to a notable increase in ridership along the East Coast. The Canadian government cut fees by 50% on federally-supported ferries to boost interprovincial travel and trade. As a result, the Atlantic tourism sector and local businesses are seeing a rise in ferry traffic.
Impact of Reduced Ferry Fares
Councillor William McCormick from Digby, Nova Scotia, highlighted the positive effects of this change. He noted, “It’s definitely been busier in the town than what it would normally be with ferry traffic.” The increased flow of visitors has been welcomed by the community.
Marine Atlantic, which operates ferries between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, reported an impressive surge in bookings. Since August 1, they have seen 38,000 additional reservations. This figure represents nearly double the typical number of bookings for that period.
Boost in Overall Transportation
The fare reductions are not limited to ferries. Tolls on the Confederation Bridge, which connects Prince Edward Island (PEI) to the New Brunswick mainland, were lowered from $50 to $20 this summer. As a result, PEI Tourism reported a 25% increase in vehicle traffic across the bridge, offsetting a 16% decline in air travel.
Looking Ahead
- Summer 2026 is anticipated to be exceptionally busy for Marine Atlantic, with high demand for ferry services.
- Transport Canada has indicated that the ferry fare cuts will remain until at least 2029.
- Similarly, the reduced tolls for the Confederation Bridge are expected to stay until at least 2032.
Overall, the combination of lower travel costs and a strong interest in local tourism is providing a much-needed boost to Atlantic Canada’s economy. The region hopes to sustain this growth in the years to come.
