New summer pilot project will offer customers access to the Scott’s Cove area of Channel-Port aux Basques

St. John's, NL - Building upon last summer's joint bus service initiative with the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques, Marine Atlantic and the Town are pleased to announce another summer pilot project that will offer customers access to the Scott's Cove area.

This pilot project will offer customers travelling on the 2345 sailing a free shuttle service to the gate at the end of Marine Atlantic's terminal property to access the boardwalk to Scott's Cove. Similar to last year's pilot project, the shuttle service will have designated times for drop off and pick up.

"Marine Atlantic is pleased to continue its partnership and work with the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques to develop initiatives designed to enhance our customers' overall travel experience and create new opportunities for the Town," said Paul Griffin, Marine Atlantic's President and CEO. "Through our continuing positive dialogue with the local community, we are finding creative solutions that are benefitting our customers and local businesses, while balancing the safety and security of our operations."

Mayor Todd Strickland and fellow councillors from the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques are pleased to be a part of this pilot project and want to build on the visitor experience from last year. "It is our goal to provide tourists with an enhanced customer experience at the park that they will remember and promote," said Mayor Strickland. "There will be a tourism ambassador that will meet passengers at the access gate and we will work with the vendors at the park to strengthen their knowledge of the area and the many attractions we have to offer in our quaint little town. This is a great opportunity for the downtown core and for the business community.  We are very optimistic that this will be a successful tourism season."

Safety and security considerations remain the top priority during this pilot project, with measures being implemented to protect customers, employees and operations. Marine Atlantic has worked with Transport Canada regarding details of the trial and will review and monitor the results from a security perspective. Due to operational, docking and fueling activities, all individuals wanting to access Scott's Cove must use the shuttle bus service.

In the weeks ahead, marketing initiatives will be developed to advise customers of the service before they arrive at the terminal, as well as once they arrive. Marine Atlantic and the Town look forward to receiving customer feedback related to this initiative and will evaluate the results following the summer season.

Media Contact:

Darrell Mercer
Marine Atlantic Corporate Communications
(709) 772-0073 or (709) 727-2405
[email protected]

Mayor Todd Strickland

Town of Channel-Port aux Basques Contact

(709) 695-2214