Hearing to Consider Increased Bus Passenger Rates

UTILITY/REVIEW BOARD--Hearing to Consider Increased Bus Passenger Rates

Acadian Lines Limited and S.M.T. (Eastern) Limited have applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to amend their rates, tolls and charges.

The companies want to add a fuel escalation surcharge of 0.25 per cent per $0.01/litre increase above the unbranded base price of $0.35/litre before all taxes. The surcharge would be adjusted at the end of each month, based on the average fuel price for the previous two weeks. The ticket price would be adjusted accordingly.

These amendments are being requested due to large increases in fuel costs and the companies say they must address their revenue losses in a more timely manner.

A hearing will be held Monday, April 14, at 9:30 a.m. in the board offices on the third floor of Summit Place, 1601 Lower Water St., Halifax.

The hearing is open to the public.

Anyone who wishes to present evidence or cross-examine witnesses must notify the board by April 7.

Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposed changes can do so by writing to the clerk of the board at Box 1692, Unit M, Halifax, N.S., B3J 3S3; by e-mail at [email protected] ; by fax at 902- 424-3919; or by calling 902-424-4448.

More information about the proposed amendments is available from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, Public Passenger Division, 902-424-3588 or the clerk's office, 902-424-4448. Information can also be obtained from Acadian Lines Limited at 1161 Hollis St., Halifax, N.S., B3H 2P6, phone 902-454-9321 or 1- 800-567-5151; or from S.M.T. (Eastern) Limited at 100 Midland Dr., Dieppe, N.B., E1A 6X4, phone 1-800-567-5151.