Nova Scotia’s Public Works Minister says rising fuel costs are a concern when it comes to the CAT ferry.
After cabinet yesterday, Kim Masland said the province pays the net cost of the service, and that includes fuel.
She says the new route to Bar Harbor, Maine is a benefit.
“If we were running the old route from Yarmouth to Portland, Maine, we’d be using 1.7 times more fuel. So we’re going a shorter distance now to Bar Harbor,” says Masland.
She didn’t have the exact figure of what the province is expecting to pay in fuel costs, but says that will come out in June.
Masland says the province has a contract with Bay Ferries until 2026.
“It’s important that both proponents do whatever they can to make sure this is a success for the province.”
When it comes to what will make the service successful, Masland pointed to a focus on passengers and the economic benefit to the province.
She says it’s helpful that ticket prices are similar to 2018.