June 03, 2002

To provide better service to local residents, Transportation and Government Services Minister Steve Ashton has announced that the operation of the Matheson Island ferry service has been extended.

The C.F. Ingemar Carlson II ferry now operates for 16 hours per day from Monday to Saturday and 14 hours on Sunday. This new schedule increases the hours of operation from 88 to 110 hours per week.

"The volume of traffic to Matheson Island has increased the need to expand the ferry service to support this activity," said Ashton. "This is a clear example of how adequate access to Manitoba's transportation infrastructure is critical for community and economic development."

The C.F. Ingemar Carlson II is a 22.9-metre (75-foot) cable ferry capable of carrying 50 passengers and 12 vehicles on the 400-metre crossing. Traffic volumes on the ferry have increased from about 6,122 passengers and 3,400 vehicles in 1981 to 41,315 passengers and 18,928 vehicles in 2001.

The ferry operates from late April to late November or early December, depending on weather conditions.

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