Passenger traffic of Kerch ferry service will grow by 25-30% in 2016, says Crimea’s Transport Minister
Passenger traffic of Kerch ferry service will grow by 25-30% in 2016, IAA PortNews correspondent cites Andrei Bezsalov, Transport Minister of Crimea, as saying at the 3rd Crimea Transport Forum in Alushta .
“In 2015, passenger traffic exceeded 4,595,000 persons, in 2016 we expect the growth by 25-30% which is confirmed by the dynamics of the first half of the year,” said Andrei Bezsalov.
He also said that the flow of cargo vehicles increased by 43% with the railway link showing the same growth.
“This dynamics reflects the growth of Crimean economy, mostly due to the growth of consumer demand. A significant role is played by system-driving, compromise and socially oriented tariffs set by the Federal Antimonopoly Service from this February,” explained the Minister.
He reminded that the Kerch ferry service ensures simultaneous operation of 10 to 12 ferryboats and up to three railway ferries depending on the demand.
“If required, additional lines can be launched between Kavkaz and Kerch ports. This link has proven to provide the optimum combination of travel time, cost of delivery, unloading/loading time and time of cargo delivery from the port to the end point. Repeated attempts to launch the lines between other ports have turned out to be economically inefficient and were closed for various reasons”, added Andrei Bezsalov.