Feds Cut Confederation Bridge, Atlantic Canada Ferries Tolls

Starting August 1, the cost of tolling across the Confederation Bridge between Prince Edward Island and mainland Canada will be significantly reduced, from $50.25 to $20 for a passenger car. The move was announced by Premier Mark Carney during a visit to Albany, PEI.

Fares for passenger, vehicle and freight transportation on federally supported ferries will also be reduced by 50 per cent. This includes the Marine Atlantic, a key route between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland that carries 65 per cent of all cargo to the island each day.

According to Carney, the measures are aimed at strengthening domestic trade, reducing barriers and supporting regional mobility amid ongoing trade uncertainty with the United States. The toll reduction will cost the government $100 million a year, but is expected to increase trade, lower the cost of living and boost tourism.

PEI Premier Rob Lantz called the day “historic,” and said the bridge toll reduction was a “big win” for residents who had been paying inflated tolls for 28 years. He added that it would also lower the cost of exports from the island.

Carney said, “If we want a strong and united country, we need to make travel in Canada more affordable — and that’s what we’re doing.”