Fares hike for Tobago run

The new fares are $300 return on the airbridge, $100 return on the fast ferries and $75 return on the conventional ferries. The new prices take effect on November 1.

The Ministry of Works and Transport in announcing the new fares yesterday, said the Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) approved the new return air fare of $400 on September 28.

However Government will continue the subsidy of $100 per passenger, which means the new airfare will be $300 return.

It will cost Government $50 million a year to subsidise the airfare.

The ministry said the airfare is the same travellers paid seven years ago in 1998. Passengers currently pay $200 to go to Tobago on the airbridge, since Government is subsidising by $100 per passenger the original $300 fare.

As for the sea bridge, the ministry said effective Monday, October 31, the two fast ferries, Lynx and the Cat will provide service, in addition to the conventional ferries the Sonia and Panorama.

It stated that new fares will also be introduced on the sea bridge effective next Tuesday, November 1. The ministry said the fare increase is based on the "fast ferry technology and superior service that will now result from the operation of two high speed crafts on the route."

It will cost $100 return to travel on the fast ferries from $50, while the fare on the conventional ferries will cost $75 return. It will cost Government $125 million a year to subsidise the fares on the sea bridge.

The ministry said the actual subsidy paid by Government for each passenger on the fast ferries will be in excess of $250, as the actual cost per passenger on the operation of the sea bridge with the fast ferries exceeds $350 for each return trip.

Tobago Express, the main carrier servicing the airbridge, said yesterday passengers who have already purchased tickets at the previous $200 fare, will be allowed to travel with those tickets without paying any increase. And those passengers who have tickets at the old fare who have already paid the add on cost to the value of the new fare, will be entitled to a refund.

The refund will be given at the ticket sales location where the add on cost was applied.

Tobago Express has also reaffirmed its commitment to taking all the necessary steps to "to elevate our service." Earlier this year Tobago Express submitted a proposal to ATLA for a fare increase of $500 on the airbridge.