According to recent reports, The CAT ferry service has experienced a 20 percent decrease in ridership compared to the previous year. As of June 12, the ferry that runs between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, Maine, had only carried 19,308 passengers, a significant drop from the 24,285 passengers it had transported by the same time last year.

In a statement released by Mark Wilson, the president and CEO of Bay Ferries Limited, it was revealed that while the number of American passengers remains consistent with last year, there has been a noticeable decline in Canadian bookings. Wilson noted that Statistics Canada has reported a decrease in Canadian residents returning to Canada by car, which has affected the number of bookings on The CAT.

Despite the decrease in ridership, the Nova Scotia government decided to extend the seasonal ferry service into the 2026 season. A budget of $21 million has been allocated for the service in 2024, indicating the government’s commitment to supporting this mode of transportation.

The sailing season for The CAT commenced on May 15, initially operating five days a week until June 18. From June 19 to September 22, the ferry will offer daily service to accommodate the peak summer travel season.