Ferry Ticket Prices Liberalized

Legislation to liberalize ferry ticket prices for third class fares and vehicles was signed by the Ministry of Merchant Marine, and includes ferries departing from the ports of Pireaus, Rafina, Lavrio, Kimi, to and from Elefsina, and from Patra to Kerkyra.

Coastal shipping companies were pleased and some made announcements regarding their planned pricing policies.

Periklis Panagopoulos, president of Attica Group (Blue Star and Superfast), said that liberalization of the fares gives the customer the opportunity to choose, when and with what ship they will travel. He also said that it is bound to attract new investment in modern ships, and maintain the proper management of those in operation.

Gerasimos Strintzis, managing director of Hellenic Seaways, said that although there will be some small increases in fares due to higher fuel costs, the company is designing “award programs for frequent customers who plan ahead.”

ANEK Lines announced discount packages on its daily routes to Chania and Heraklion from Piraeus, with promotional prices with as much as a 50 percent discount on return fares, and free shipping for passenger cars and motorcycles on the first trip.