FERRY fares could be set by an independent regulator rather than by Condor Ferries in future.
A report has been commissioned by Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean that should be published next month. The study by consultants Oxera will examine the feasibility of fares being regulated as well as looking at market dynamics in the light of the economic downturn.
And Senator Maclean said that he would like to see politics taken out of the fare-setting process. He said that constructive talks had been held with Condor owners Macquarie and pointed out that the company also owns the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
The Senator said that fares from the Isle of Man are regulated and Jersey had already had talks with the Manx harbour authorities about how the process works. In the Isle of Man the ferry company enjoys the status of fully regulated monopoly but that would not be, in theory, the case here.
Pictured: Condor’s fast ferry Vitesse
