TheGagetownferry has returned to service ona reduced schedule and with new passenger and weight limits, after undergoing an estimated$100,000 in repairs.
The Gagetown ferry, which was removed from service in February after a routine inspection found it unseaworthy, resumed service on July 27. (Village of Gagetown)
But the long-term future of theferry, which crosses the St. John Riverbetween Gagetownand Lower Jemseg,remains unclear.
The free cableferry, which was removed from service in February after it had beendeemed unseaworthy, had asuccessful inspection by Transport Canada Marine Safety, the Department of Transportation announced on Monday.
It nowoperates from 6 a.m. until midnight daily, which is two hours more than the 10 p.m. end time proposed last month, but down from the previous 24-hour daily service.
The ferry's newmaximum capacity is12 passengers, excluding crew members,and a single truck load limit of 12tonnes(fourtonnesper axle), said department spokeswoman SarahBustard.
"Potentially, the ferry could have 12 cars with single passengers (12)or six cars with two passengers," Bustardsaid in an email to CBC News.
"The 12-passenger limit is part of our licensing with Transport Canada Marine Safety. In the past, the vessel had a 12-car limit," she said.
No information aboutthe nature of the repairs completed has been released. The total cost of the work is still being compiled,said Bustard.
The ferry crossing takes about five minutes, compared to the approximately 40 minutes it takes to drive.
Asked about the future of the service, Bustard said: "The Government of New Brunswick is currently in the midst of evaluating its expenditures, revenues and service offerings as part of the Strategic Program Review. There are no planned changes to the river ferry service pending the Strategic Program Review's findings."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/gagetown-ferry-resumes-service-with-reduced-schedule-new-limits-1.3170785?cmp=rss
The Gagetown ferry, which was removed from service in February after a routine inspection found it unseaworthy, resumed service on July 27. (Village of Gagetown)
But the long-term future of theferry, which crosses the St. John Riverbetween Gagetownand Lower Jemseg,remains unclear.
The free cableferry, which was removed from service in February after it had beendeemed unseaworthy, had asuccessful inspection by Transport Canada Marine Safety, the Department of Transportation announced on Monday.
It nowoperates from 6 a.m. until midnight daily, which is two hours more than the 10 p.m. end time proposed last month, but down from the previous 24-hour daily service.
The ferry's newmaximum capacity is12 passengers, excluding crew members,and a single truck load limit of 12tonnes(fourtonnesper axle), said department spokeswoman SarahBustard.
"Potentially, the ferry could have 12 cars with single passengers (12)or six cars with two passengers," Bustardsaid in an email to CBC News.
"The 12-passenger limit is part of our licensing with Transport Canada Marine Safety. In the past, the vessel had a 12-car limit," she said.
No information aboutthe nature of the repairs completed has been released. The total cost of the work is still being compiled,said Bustard.
The ferry crossing takes about five minutes, compared to the approximately 40 minutes it takes to drive.
Asked about the future of the service, Bustard said: "The Government of New Brunswick is currently in the midst of evaluating its expenditures, revenues and service offerings as part of the Strategic Program Review. There are no planned changes to the river ferry service pending the Strategic Program Review's findings."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/gagetown-ferry-resumes-service-with-reduced-schedule-new-limits-1.3170785?cmp=rss