It all sounded so promising.
In a bid to attract travellers back to the Apple Isle after Covid-19 travel restrictions ravaged the tourism industry, the Spirit of Tasmania was going to be made more affordable.
Spirit of Tasmanian ferry operator TT-Line received a $6 million federal government subsidy under an equalisation scheme designed to make the cost of taking a car across Bass Strait similar to driving the same distance on the national highway network.
A free vehicle fare based on a standard car, or a campervan or motorhome less than two metres wide and up to six metres in length was introduced. Vehicles greater than two metres wide and six metres in length, such as a caravan, were to receive a discount equivalent to that of a standard car.
However, things aren’t as straightforward as they seemed. The ABC is reporting that some visitors to Tasmania believe the cost of travelling to the state aboard Spirit of Tasmania has actually increased,
They allege that the savings are not being passed on to travellers, and that prices of passenger and cabin fares are being hiked by TT-Line, counteracting the vehicle discount and resulting in a higher overall cost.
In question time yesterday, federal MP Andrew Wilkie asked Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack to investigate the claims.
“This would be state sanctioned misuse of federal funding, a rip-off and another blow to the Tasmanian economy and tourism sector,” Mr. Wilkie said.
One passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, told the ABC their trip to Tasmania aboard the Spirit, which was booked before the promotion came into effect, was more than $50 cheaper than their return trip, which included the discount.
Another passenger who contacted the ABC, but did not wish to be named, also noted a significant price rise for sailing in the month of March.
TT-Line said it has not increased its pricing structure since the introduction of the Federal Government passenger vehicle rebate.
A spokesperson for the operator told the ABC that passenger fares and cabin prices on the Spirit of Tasmania “fluctuate on each sailing depending on demand and availability” and that “prices were not guaranteed until payment is processed”.
It added that “demand has been high since the fare went on sale”.
Remember, when the government came up with a gas subsidy to change your vehicles over to running on gas. Before the subsidy, the cost was $2600, after the subsidy, the cost was $4600, so they charged and extra 2 grand on the original price. It backfired on the though, with in 12 months most of the conversion companies were out of business, and you can hardly find one to do it today. Well the same is happening within SOT line, get a subsidy, put up the price, although in this instance maybe the government , will request the money back, after an investigation.
A bridge is coming for Tasmania, a design has been put forward, and the cost of 244 billion is waiting for backers. SOT will go broke, after it is built.
At $244b, Put a few fast huge cats, be far cheaper than any high maintenance bridge… be far more sensible go tunnel.. no scenery to see.
Won’t be going til they do something about better about taking your dog on the boat.We are way behind USA & Europe with pets. We should be allowed to check on them regularly.
Could not agree with you more.
Im happy car free $100 fare day sailing so $200 all up Normal cost approx $500.
The below decks part of the ships are run by thugs. $2800 to take our van over, It got damaged because of faulty equipment on the ship. Tried to claim excess for our insurance from them. The purser had actually given us a document stating it was their fault. Try arguing with government thugs a waste of time. We were terrified for our dogs the way they were treated and we left them in the van on the way back. Insurance had to pay for the damage.Would be more than happy for something to send them broke.
Sounds all too hard and headache
Give Tassie a miss. Or fly over rent a car for 3..4 days
Any time the government introduces a subsidy for a particular industry, the industry companies will increase their prices by the amount of the subsidy. Health care, child care, solar panels, solar hot water heaters are a few examples. And now the SOT it seems.
Do you think the price will drop, after the subsidy runs out, I doubt it, to the detriment to Tassie tourism, a hell of a lot visitors will not be taking their vans/motorhomes over there after. About taking your animals, over, the one time I did it, I hired a sports cruiser, to take me, the bike and dog over, $3600 round trip, but my dog had a very good trip. That is the only way, I would take my7 dog in the future, when going by bike. Wont ever take the van though because, I could not trust them with my dog.