People on Bell Island aren’t buying the provincial government’s defense of the ferry service this year.

Some say it’s the worst it has ever been, even going back to the days of the old John Guy. The transportation department defended the service on Friday, saying that they spend $22-million a year for 2,500 people, and have increased the number of daily trips. It also said that nobody could have foreseen problems with the bow thruster on the Flanders.

The Tickle is currently being serviced only by the Beaumont Hamel.

Mayor Gary Gosine says people on the island do pay their own way as they contribute greatly to St. John’s by spending money when in the region. As for the extra two trips per day, that is not quite true he says.

He says they used to have 21 per day, but then it was reduced to 16. After MHA David Brazil became involved, they got it up to 18.

Earlier Stories

July 23, 2021 –Bell Island Ferry Service Worst it’s Been ‘in Decades,’ Brazil Calling for Government Action
July 24, 2021 –Provincial Government Responds to Bell Island Ferry Service Concerns