A St. Thomas attorney has been tapped to conduct hearings which could result in higher fares on the St. John ferry.
Dolace McLean’s experience includes work with the US Justice Department and regulatory issues affecting the Public Services Commission.
The St. John Source reported the PSC has asked McLean to conduct an examination of the St. John ferry companies’ operations. Currently, Varlack Ventures is generating a small profit, but not at a previously projected rate of return. Transportation Services, because of debt service taken on to pay for equipment, has been losing money for years, the Source reported.
Previously, a consultant’s study concluded the ferry companies need either a fare rate hike or government subsidies to stay afloat. (Read earlier story.)