February 5, 1996
(Works, Services and Transportation)

The following is being distributed at the request of Marine Atlantic:

Changes planned for ferry reservation service

Marine Atlantic will introduce major enhancements to its ferry reservations system for 1996. The changes include the introduction of a toll-free telephone number and deposit system for guaranteed reservations.

Marine Atlantic president Rod Morrison announced the initiatives at Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador's annual convention in Gander over the weekend.

Morrison said the measures result from a review of ways to improve customer service and traffic management, combined with input from the tourism sector and improvements in communications technology.

The deposit initiative for reservations will discourage multiple bookings by individuals who make several reservations for the same trip, intending to choose the departure they ultimately deem most convenient to their schedule. Such a practice effectively robs the ferry service of available capacity for the tourism market.

"As well, the deposit requirement will encourage people who must cancel their plans for valid reasons to advise Marine Atlantic so the space becomes available for other prospective travellers," Morrison said. "Beginning in the near future, customers seeking to reserve space on a Marine Atlantic crossing will have to present a credit card number for the privilege, and no-shows will forfeit their deposit."

Morrison noted this should greatly reduce, if not eliminate the practice of multiple bookings, ensure better traffic management, and thereby better serve Newfoundland's tourism sector. The planned implementation date for both the foll-free service and the deposit system is March 15, 1996.

The decision to re-introduce a toll-free reservations line is based on a number of factors, including Marine Atlantic's acquisition of a new computerized reservations system, improvements in technology, and competition in the telecommunications sector.

"We appreciate this is a much sought-after customer service by Newfoundland tourism interests," Morrison said. "It was removed for valid economic reasons six years ago, and it is today's improved climate of communications technology and costs which enables us to bring it back."

Morrison noted the company has already announced plans to run MV Smallwood on an overnight schedule on the Argentia to North Sydney portion of the Argentia service. Along with the increased frequency of the Argentia run from two to three times a week, the measures are further indications of the company's concern for its tourism role.

"While Marine Atlantic's commitment to commercialization and efficient operations will be paramount throughout this year, such commitment can include prudent expenditures aimed at improving our service to the tourism sector and the travelling public," he added.

Contact: Doug Burgess, Public Relations Office, (709) 772-5731; or Ted Bartlett, Director Public Relations, (506) 851-3611.