Get ready to dig deeper into your pockets, because ferry fares across Strangford Lough and Rathlin Island are on the rise again. Starting February 1st, passengers will face a 4-7% increase, marking the third consecutive year of price hikes, with some routes seeing staggering jumps of up to 30% in the past. But here's where it gets controversial: while the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) claims these increases are necessary to keep pace with inflation and cover rising operational costs, many locals are crying foul. They argue that these hikes disproportionately affect commuters, students, businesses, and even healthcare access. And this is the part most people miss: the DFI admits it’s already subsidizing these services to the tune of over £2 million this year alone, leaving many to wonder if there’s a better way to manage these essential transport links.
Let’s break it down. For instance, a single adult ticket on the Rathlin Ferry will jump from £8 to £8.40, while child fares rise from £4 to £4.20. Over on the Strangford-Portaferry route, adult foot passenger fares will increase from £1.30 to £1.40, though child fares remain unchanged. Car fares, however, will climb from £7.70 to £8. These changes might seem small in isolation, but they add up, especially for frequent travelers. Take Naoimi McNally, a regular user of the Portaferry service, who feels the latest increase is excessive. “It’s taking the mick a little bit,” she said, pointing out that the ferry is already a lifeline for those traveling the mile-long journey across the lough, which would otherwise be a 46-mile drive by car. The service, which was suspended for five weeks in 2024 for essential slipway repairs costing £300,000, has already seen fares rise by 30% in the past year alone.
Naomi McCallum, a local business owner in Portaferry, worries about the impact on her customers and her own family. “It will affect me slightly in regards to my clients who come over on foot,” she admitted. And it’s not just businesses feeling the pinch. Locals rely on the ferry for hospital appointments, and sports teams use it for match days. “Where does the money come from for them?” McCallum asked, highlighting the broader community impact.
Local SDLP councillor Joe Boyle, chairperson of the Strangford Lough Ferry Service Working Group, didn’t hold back his disappointment. “It’s yet another increase to the normal household budget,” he said, emphasizing that these hikes come at a time when families are already struggling with rising costs for fuel, heating, and food. What’s more, there’s no clarity on how long these fares will remain in place before the next increase hits. Boyle also pointed out the staggering 40% rise in fares over the past 12 to 15 months, calling it “quite significant.”
But is this the only solution? Some argue that the government should explore alternative funding models or invest in more efficient ferry operations to keep costs down. Others question whether the subsidies are being used effectively. What do you think? Are these fare increases fair, or is there a better way to manage these essential services? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation that needs your voice.
