The Department for Infrastructure has announced its intention to increase fares on the Rathlin Island ferry service.
The change to fares will be subject to a statutory 30-day notice period that is due to commence on 9 May 2023.
Fares for the ferry service have remained at the same level since April 2013 and an increase is therefore needed due to current budgetary pressures and the increased running costs of the ferry since that time. However, current discounts available on fares for residents, children and SmartPass holders will remain in place.
The Department is supportive of Rathlin Island and provides an ongoing subsidy for the lifeline ferry service, so that fares can be kept as low as possible.
It has an oversight and co-ordinating role in relation to the Rathlin Island Policy, which is a NI Executive policy to ensure continued and sustainable growth of Rathlin, Northern Ireland’s only off-shore inhabited island.
The intended changes to fares include:
A standard single passenger fare will increase from £6 to £8
A standard single car fare will increase from £10.30 to £15
Children will remain half price (children under five are free) and SmartPass concessions remain available
Residents will continue to receive discounts of at least 50% of the standard fares.