Passenger numbers have been released for the Yarmouth ferry but Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan says he won’t draw any conclusions until after the season is over.
He says a number of factors will determine the success of the ferry.
“Passenger counts are important there’s no question about that. Number of nights stayed, the impact on tourism operators, the sense that we would get from businesses and operations in Yarmouth and southern Nova Scotia and across the entire province.”
MacLellan was in Portland last week meeting with officials on several issues.
While he didn’t talk passenger counts, MacLellan says he did discuss the shared benefits of the Yarmouth ferry to Portland and the South Shore.
The minister acknowledged there is work to be done, but feels the right boat is in the water.
“I was super encouraged by the trip I took. The Cat seems to be the right size vessel. The five and a half hours was a good thing. The amenities on board provided by the Yarmouthians for the most part – so that’s a good sign.”
MacLellan says he spoke with officials about a direct access entry point to get tourists through immigration faster and opening up more dates.
