February 15, 2000
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Schedule change for Bell Island ferry

On February 14, the Bell Island-Portugal Cove ferry service started following a new schedule.

Rick Woodford, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, announced today that the department has increased the number of crossings from 11 to 12 and made other revisions in the schedule to better accommodate users of the service.

"This schedule was developed in consultation with the interested parties," said Minister Woodford. "I believe we�ve reached a solution that will please almost everyone involved."

A 5:55 a.m. crossing has been added to the winter schedule because of an increase in demand. The 9:20 a.m. run was moved to 8:50 a.m., allowing non-commuters to cross at a more convenient time. This trip will provide additional space on the earlier runs, which will be good news to commuters.

The department will also accommodate those from Bell Island who want to spend more time in the St. John�s area on Saturdays. The 11:10 p.m. departure from Portugal Cove on Saturdays will be moved to 11:30 p.m. Other minor changes have been made. See attached schedule.

"The users committee made several requests to my department, and we�ve done our best to accommodate them," said Minister Woodford. "There are guidelines to follow when it comes to implementing a ferry schedule and we have to abide by those rules."

The revised schedule complies with Transport Canada�s ship safety guidelines for crew rest hours and the terms of the crew�s collective agreement.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2000 02 15                                             10:45 a.m.