Nova Scotia has issued a request for proposals to conduct an financial influence research on the closely backed ferry between Yarmouth, N.S., and Bar Harbor, Maine.
In a Tuesday launch, Public Works Minister Kim Masland mentioned the province “(needs) to know that this service is providing good value” to taxpayers.
Masland went on to say the province has collected enter from native governments, chambers of commerce and the tourism business, and {that a} research of this depth has not been performed however is “essential” in making knowledgeable choices.
The research, which was introduced up final fall by Premier Tim Houston, will gather knowledge over two crusing seasons.
The high-speed ferry service resumed final yr following a three-year hiatus because of COVID-19 and the development of a terminal in Bar Harbor. The earlier Liberal authorities had set a goal of 60,000 passengers per season when the service was established in 2016.
The 2022 crusing season noticed 36,151 passengers and obtained $17.9 million from the province that yr.
The RFP is at the moment open and closes July 24. A last report is predicted in late 2024, in response to the province.
The present contract for the Yarmouth ferry ends after the 2025 crusing season.
— with a file from The Canadian Press
