VEHICLE barge fares for island runs across Moreton Bay are being increased by Stradbroke Ferries from next month.
People travelling in four-wheel-drives to North Stradbroke Island will pay up to $107, up from $103.
The price rises from April 1 come as the island prepares for thousands of school holiday visitors from later this week.
Fares will increase only by about five per cent but families towing a caravan could be slugged more than $300 for return fares, with trailers priced up to $20 per metre each way.
Prices for most Stradbroke Ferries barge runs are being increased, including to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
However, day trippers to Straddie can continue to enjoy reduced water taxi prices introduced in December last year.
SeaLink Travel Group cut its Stradbroke Ferries return passenger fares from $20 to $14 before Christmas, sparking allegations of predatory pricing from rival operator Gold Cats’ Stradbroke Flyer.
A complaint was lodged with the ACCC but Stradbroke Ferries’ reduced passenger prices could stay for at least the next 12 months.
Sealink chief executive Jeff Ellison said general increases to operational costs meant fares needed to rise.
The last time time SMBI barge fares were increased to affect all vehicles was about four years ago, he said.
Prices for trucks and large vehicles on runs to NSI and SMBIs were increased last October, he said.
“Price rises are avoided as much as possible but general increases in our costs require increases in fares,” he said.
The new fee schedule for NSI runs differentiates between coach buses and mini buses.
While all buses and coaches were charged $168 for a one way fare, mini bus operators will pay up to $35 less from next month.
For more information about Stradbroke Ferries, visit here.
