Ferry Traffic Surges in Atlantic Canada Following Fare Reduction

Ferry traffic in Atlantic Canada has surged following recent fare reductions by the federal government. This summer, fares for federally supported ferries and tolls on the Confederation Bridge were significantly lowered, leading to an increase in both passengers and vehicle traffic.

Significant Increases in Ferry Traffic

Between August 1 and September 25, ferry operator Bay Ferries reported a 34% increase in passenger numbers and a 39% rise in vehicle traffic on the Saint John to Digby route compared to the previous year. Local business owners like Curtis Dionne attribute this surge to easier access for travelers from Nova Scotia who now find it affordable to visit New Brunswick.

Key Statistics

• 34% increase in passengers using Bay Ferries.
• 39% increase in vehicle traffic on the Saint John to Digby ferry.
• 25% rise in vehicle traffic across the Confederation Bridge in August.
• Increased bookings for Marine Atlantic ferries, with 38,000 new reservations since August 1.

Impact on Local Communities

William McCormick, a councillor in Digby, expressed that town traffic is noticeably busier than in previous years, with visitors coming from various regions, including New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and Maine. This uptick in ferry traffic is beneficial for local economies.

On July 28, a major policy change came when Prime Minister Mark Carney reduced the Confederation Bridge toll from over $50 to $20. The expected annual cost of this fare reduction is about $100 million. However, it was anticipated that increased traffic would offset some of this financial burden.

Future Outlook for Ferry Operators

Marine Atlantic’s corporate communications manager, Darrell Mercer, noted that the number of new bookings indicates a strong demand for future travel, predicting a busy summer in 2026. However, the company encountered capacity challenges this season due to high travel demand among Canadians.

Economic Considerations

Despite the estimated reduction in air travel by 16%, day trips to Prince Edward Island have become more popular, as pointed out by Frédéric Gionet from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. He emphasized that lower costs and improved access have encouraged more people to explore the island.

Local businesses near the Confederation Bridge are also noting the increase in foot traffic, though some, like Tony Polley of Route 16 Diner, report that sales are only slightly up, suggesting that many travelers may be eating before their journeys.

Long-Term Benefits of Fare Reductions

The fare reductions across Eastern Canada, which are expected to last until at least 2029, aim to strengthen the regional economy by facilitating trade and tourism. Flavio Nienow from Transport Canada confirmed that federal funding for ferry operators would adjust according to actual traffic volumes.

As ferry traffic continues to grow, stakeholders hope these changes will foster sustainable economic development throughout Atlantic Canada.