CHARLOTTETOWN, (April 21, 2004) — Northumberland Ferries — the operator of the ferry crossing service between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia — has applied to Transport Canada to increase its fee when ferry service resumes on May 1st.

The plan — which drew criticism from the government of P.E.I. and regional truckers this week — would keep the rate of passenger cars steady, but hike the fee for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and buses as much as $15 dollars, depending on the vehicle’s size. Travellers of the every vehicle would also face an additional $3.50 surcharge if the application is approved.

Ralph Boyd, president of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, told local media that truckers face enough rising costs already, and a ferry hike would force the industry to pass any increase to its customers.

— from the Chronicle-Herald