August 15, 1997
(Works, Services and Transportation)

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

Ferry traffic remains strong

Marine Atlantic is continuing to handle large numbers of passengers on its Newfoundland ferries. As the Cabot 500 celebrations wind down, traffic levels remain extremely high on all sailings leaving Port aux Basques and Argentia for North Sydney.

All departures from the island are fully booked until late next week, but most standby passengers arriving at ferry terminals are being accommodated with only slight delays. The company has been making maximum use of its freight vessel in order to meet the extended peak period being experienced this summer.

Total passengers carried from June 1 to August 11 are up nine per cent over last year. During that period this year 182,557 people rode Marine Atlantic ships to and from the island, approximately 16,000 more than in 1996.

The week from July 28 to August 3 was especially significant for Marine Atlantic's three gulf vessels. Almost half of all crossings by the Caribou, Smallwood and Atlantic Freighter operated with 100 per cent of vehicle deck space occupied. All but two sailings were above 90 per cent utilization. During that period passengers were up 37 per cent from last year's numbers.

"Large crowds and full ships can be frustrating for some people," says Don Newman, vice president of public affairs, passenger services and marketing. "But it does send a very positive message about the growth in tourism. For Marine Atlantic to be operating at capacity on all crossings leaving the island at this point in the summer is welcome news indeed for the industry."

Cabot 500 celebrations and increased tourism are being credited for the up-swing in passenger levels. Off-island tourists flooded Newfoundland early in the season to enjoy the Cabot events. Passenger levels are expected to level off towards the end of August as the summer tourist season draws to a close. The seasonal Argentia service remains in operation until September 12.

Peter McInnis, gulf services general manager commends employees for their excellent work through this busy summer season. "Our employees have done extremely well in handling all kinds of situations. When we experience a very busy period, like this summer, our employees really show what they're made of. They have given 100 per cent to their jobs and to the customers this year."

Contact: Ted Bartlett, Director Public Relations, (506) 851-3611.