Free rides for Tobago students — but Trinidad students pay half

WHILE Tobago students will get free rides on the The Cat to visit Trinidad for educational purposes courtesy the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), all students can and have been getting discounted rates on the inter-island ferry for a number of years. This was confirmed by Leon Grant, Executive Manager of the Government Shipping Service (GSS). Chief Secretary and Secretary for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Orville London, announced late last month that the THA will underwrite the cost of return trips for students in groups of not more than 25, to visit Trinidad on extensive educational tours. London said it was the THA’s way of ensuring that Tobago students benefitted from the fast ferry service.

Grant told Newsday yesterday that while the initiative was the THA’s, if any requests were received from Trinidad students wishing to go on educational, sporting and cultural trips to Tobago, they will also be facilitated. He said 50 percent concessions will be given. Grant pointed out that the GSS has always offered concessions to students travelling on the inter-island ferry, and the goodwill gesture will continue to apply for travel on any of the boats on the route. Grant added however that the concessions will be given only during off-peak periods.