WATCH: The government says it’s do or die time for the Nova Star ferry. Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan says the service has reached a critical point. As Global’s Marieke Walsh reports he’s already met with several groups vying to take over the Yarmouth to Maine service.
HALIFAX – The next few weeks will be critical to determining the future of the company operating the ferry between Yarmouth and Maine, said Nova Scotia’s transportation minister.
Geoff MacLellan said the province will be looking closely at bookings and revenue from Nova Star Cruises during the peak season before making a decision on whether to continue with the operator in 2016.
“We’ve got to know what we’re doing for 2016, that decision is made in that July/August window,” said MacLellan. “So right now Nova Star is on deck, this is their’s to lose, we’ve got to see those specific numbers.”
MacLellan also said his department has met with three separate groups who have expressed interest in taking over the ferry service, but no formal proposals will be heard unless the province decides to part ways with Nova Star Cruises Ltd.
“All three have a real feel for what Nova Scotia requires and what was a successful model in the past,” said MacLellan.
After bringing 59,000 tourists to Nova Scotia last year the money-losing service has set an overall goal of 80,000 passengers for this season, which began June 1.
In May, Nova Star Cruises said pre-booked passenger sales for June were up from a disappointing opening year in 2014.
“Right now our numbers are looking viable for our plan of 80,000 passengers to meet our financial commitments to the province of Nova Scotia,” said Nova Star Cruises President Mark Amundsen in and interview with Global News.
As an example, Amundsen said between June 25 and July 5, last year, the ferry only had one motor coach. He said this year 17 motor coaches have been booked for the same time period.
The provincial government is providing $13 million in funding this year after spending $28.5 million to subsidize the ferry last season.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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