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Sea Services Agreement: Promise of cheaper fares and additional sailing

Fri, 08 Mar 2019

The Manx government has promised cheaper ferry fares and one additional sailing a week to Liverpool.

If approved, the new 25-year agreement will replace the current User Agreement, and includes a provision for review every five years. It will be signed in May before coming into force in January 2020, providing passengers and freight customers with investment, a more resilient service and a range of benefits.

The terms of the deal will include foot passenger fares being frozen until a new vessel replaces the Ben-my-Chree and 450,000 special offer fares being made available each year, compared to 275,000 under the current deal.

Children under 16 and students in full-time education will be able to travel at half-price adult fare, while higher weekend prices will not apply between October 1 and March 31, saving up to £50 on a car-plus-two booking.

One additional Liverpool sailing a week during winter and summer seasons and sailings to Ireland during the summer months will take place at more convenient times according to the document.

The Steam Packet Company became state owned in May last year but is being run at "arm's length" from the government.

Tynwald will debate the Sea Services Agreement later this month.

 

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