TT-Line will increase most passenger fares on the Melbourne-Devonport route by $3 with effect from 1 st August 2004.

Peter Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for the company, said there would be no increase to passenger fares on the Sydney route as the service only commenced in January.

Additionally, a charge of $10 per standard passenger vehicle will apply in the off-peak and shoulder periods on both the Melbourne and Sydney routes, conditions applying. The peak period vehicle fares will not vary.

"No increase in vehicle fares has been made since 1996 and after eight years, this position can no longer be maintained," Mr Simmons said today.

"These fare increases have been brought about due to considerable increases in cost areas such as fuel, security requirements, insurance, and wages and salaries.

"The company has endeavoured to keep the fare increases to an absolute minimum whilst acting in a financially responsible manner," said Mr Simmons.

To increase patronage of the shoulder period daylight voyages, Spirit of Tasmania is now offering a passenger fare of $99*.

"This is a very competitive fare," said Mr Simmons. "A couple can make a return trip to Tasmania and take their car with them for only $416, which is very convenient for the passenger and means they don't need to bear the cost of hiring a car.

 

"We currently have 102 daylight voyages planned during the popular shoulder period for this financial year, and a total of 168 including the peak season, " said Mr Simmons.

Additionally, Spirit of Tasmania is offering Pensioner, Senior and Tertiary concession rates in the business class seating area for the first time.

"This will offer an attractive option for many more people who want a bit more comfort than that offered by the budget Cruise Seat area," said Mr Simmons.

The new fare schedules become effective for bookings taken after 1 st August 2004.

Spirit of Tasmania will honour bookings already made at current fares, and intending passengers have two weeks to make bookings at current fares before the 1 st August deadline.

For bookings and enquiries, customers can call Spirit of Tasmania on 13 20 10.

-ends-

For further information contact:

Christina Koullas

Corporate Communications Coordinator

Tel: 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898

czk@spiritoftasmania.com.au