CAT Ferry Season 2022 Numbers Released

USPA NEWS - As the 2022 CAT Ferry season has now concluded, Bay Ferries Limited is releasing the final numbers for what has been described as the "pandemic come back" season. The international ferry service provider has reported that the CAT Ferry has carried 36,151 passengers along with 14,972 vehicles. During the May 19th to October 10th season, the CAT Ferry completed 113 round trips between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Bar Horbor, Maine. It was also reported that there were 12 weather cancellations.

As reported by USPA News, Nova Scotia Premier, Tim Houston, expressed disappointment with the performance of the CAT Ferry service. In a September media release, Premier Houston said, "I certainly am absolutely disappointed with the numbers. Nova Scotians have invested a significant amount in the operation over the last number of years and I think every Nova Scotian should be disappointed with the uptake on the service.” Premier Houston indicated that the CAT Ferry would be reviewed at the end of the 2022 season and said that all options will be on the table including early termination of the province's contract with Bay Ferries Limited.

Recently, after Bay Ferries Limited released the 2022 Season numbers, Premier Houston said," The company's lease on the CAT Ferry has been extended for another year, and the CAT Ferry is expected to sail again in 2023."

Premier Houston advised that his government would be ordering an Economic Impact Study of the international ferry service which is subsidized by the Nova Scotia Government. He went on to say, "Today taxpayers who covered the $17-million annual subsidy would have liked to have seen more passengers during the just-concluded sailing season and it’s time to determine whether Nova Scotians got good value for the 2022 subsidy, which amounted to roughly $472 per passenger."

Public Works Minister Kim Masland says a request for a “broad overview” of the economic impact of the ferry will be issued this fall.