Ferry fares on Strangford Lough and Rathlin Island routes are set to increase by 4-7% starting February 1. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) stated this hike aligns with inflation, contributing to service subsidies and covering rising operational costs. This marks the third consecutive year of fare increases, following a notable 30% rise last year.
Specific changes include adult one-way fares on Rathlin Ferries raising from £8 to £8.40 and from £1.30 to £1.40 on the Strangford Portaferry route. Car fares will also rise from £7.70 to £8. Local residents and businesses are expressing concern about how these increases will affect commuters, students, and healthcare access.
Naomi McNally, a frequent user of the ferry, noted that rising fares have made traveling by car less appealing. Business owner Naomi McCallum highlighted that the fare hikes would impact customer traffic and family life. Local councilor Joe Boyle criticized the continuous price increases, emphasizing the strain on household budgets, noting overall fare increases of around 40% in the past year.
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