Mechanical problems keep Atlantic Vision off Argentia-North Sydney ferry run

California Pete from NFLD

- June 29, 2012 at 14:04:13

What is new. Old song and dance if one lives in an Island

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AM

- June 29, 2012 at 10:12:08

oh and need I mention....this above sentence that says Marine Atlantic is offering the equivalent of DRL far across the island for passengers to get that boat....is false....I called Marine Atlantic directly and inquired about this and they said they had no knowledge of any such offering which means anyone traveling from St. John's to PAB needs to pay about 130.00 bucks to get there.....if Marine Atlantic is offering such a thing, they themselves are not aware of it as I spoke to both a customer service rep and a manager! But than again, one person doesn't know what the next is doing....typical

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AM

- June 29, 2012 at 09:58:49

For anyone who thinks that Marine Atlantic has offered a fair and "convenient" alternate route to and from the island think again....I was supposed to be a passenger on that sailing last Tuesday when they made the announcement about mechanical problems. Yes, they did offer me a free passage on the Port aux Basques run but that was not convenient for me. I am literally stuck in St. John's with no affordable way off the island until this boat starts running again. The DRL bus was not an option for me due to my circumstances, a rental car was through-the-roof expensive and a flight from St. John's to Sydney, NS was more than 1100 dollars via Toronto and Halifax and onto Sydney. I was supposed to be back home days ago and have now found out it could be Wednesday or Thursday at the earliest. This means I am now spending money to sustain myself here that I did not anticipate spending while Marine Atlantic has, so far, offered no help whatsoever to help me get back home. I'm sure many others have found themselves in similar situations this week and not to mention it being a long weekend with many people literally sitting in limbo while their hard-earned vacations slip away. I have been traveling these boats back and forth for more than a dozen years and there have consistently been problems like this year after year. The problems are only worse now with the acquiring of these "new" boats from Europe. And I'm not just talking weather delays, which are understandable. Mechanical problems happen but they would be less likely to happen if the powers that be cared enough to acquire new, Canadian built boats that are worthy of Atlantic crossings. It's only a matter of time before one of these boats capsizes out there.....than what will the government do?? Maybe than they will see how necessary these crossings are and actually make it more user friendly and SAFER!!

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David

- June 29, 2012 at 08:38:54

"Just give us a chance!" - CEO Wayne Follett.

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NOONE

- June 28, 2012 at 23:35:19

What else it new Marine Atlantic? This happens every year because you don't want the ferry going to Argentia at all. Do your maintenance before the runs to Argentia and stop screwing people out of their hard earned vacations!There has to be a law somewhere to hold you accountable for the pattern your services have taken each and every year when your ferry is due to go to Argentia!

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  brad

  - June 29, 2012 at 08:44:18

  Did you read the article as to what they are doing for the inconveinced passengers? I daresay you didnt,,,