Only $1m in fares remain on Spirit of Tasmania's 'bring your car for free' scheme

Millions of dollars of the Spirit of Tasmania's 'bring your car for free' car have already been snapped up by keen travellers, as six new dates are released for the in-demand ferry service. See the new sailings + the latest >>

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ONLY $1m remains in the 'bring your car for free' scheme as the Spirit of Tasmania releases six additional night sailings to meet demand. 

The federal government's $6m Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme (BSPVES) has almost been exhausted, as the Spirit of Tasmania releases six Sunday night sailings on May 16, 23, and 30, and June 6, 13, and 27.

Bernard Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer, said the sailings would assist passengers, especially those with high vehicles such as caravans, campervans and motorhomes travelling during May and June.

“We are seeing increased demand at the moment largely as a result of the federal government’s temporary increase to the BSPVES,” he said.

The ‘bring your car for free’ campaign promoting the BSPVES offer to passengers is available until 30 June, unless the $6m allocation of tickets is exhausted prior.

Earlier this month two new dates were released to meet demand as prices spiked up to almost $600 for a single adult and car fare.

The Spirit of Tasmania came under fire for alleged price-gouging in February.

MARCH 3: TRAVELLERS looking to head to the mainland with their vehicles may be out of luck, with limited bookings left on the Spirit of Tasmania from mid-March until May.This comes as the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation scheme kicks off, with 32,800 vehicles already booked on the ferries.

With little availability remaining over the Easter period and onwards, prices have spiked to around $600 for a single adult, a rebated standard vehicle fare and accommodation.

Prices prior to March 12 range from $300 to $591.

The Spirit is heavily booked from mid-March to May because of the ‘bring your car for free’ rebate scheme.

To counter the barrage of bookings, a spokesman for TT-Line said the company would add two day sailings to the Spirit’s calendar, on April 6 and 16.

“Easter, which falls at the start of April, is traditionally one of Spirit of Tasmania’s busiest periods. Tasmanian school holidays fall immediately after Easter which has also contributed to the high level of bookings for northbound voyages,” they said.

In early May evening sails to Melbourne are available from $351, including accommodation.

The TT-Line say the high prices of fares is due to the demand from the rebate scheme.

This comes after Federal MP Andrew Wilkie inquired about price fixing – where passenger and cabin fares were increased during the rebate period – in parliament last month.

Is the TT-Line's free car subsidy actually a mean-spirited con? Watch the full video here: https://t.co/8PmE5zPMBL#auspol#politaspic.twitter.com/hRFWHtfND7

— Andrew Wilkie MP (@WilkieMP) February 4, 2021

“Just like hotels and airlines, Spirit of Tasmania operates a yield adjustment price for its fares,” a TT-Line spokesman said.

“Prices fluctuate on each sailing depending on demand and availability and are not guaranteed until the payment is processed.”

Eighty per cent of travellers taking advantage of the travel rebate are non-Tasmanians.

“The first two weeks of March for southbound voyages are heavily booked by visitors to the state,” the TT-Line spokesman said.

Melbourne to Devonport fares from late March to May range from $230 to $611.

CEO of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania Luke Martin said the rebate scheme so far has been a great success, and hopes it will sustain visitor demand over autumn and winter.

TICT CEO Luke Martin at Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

“As evening crossings fill it supports the case for more day time sailing that offer really great value for last minute bookings,” he said.

Assistant Minister for Industry Development Jonno Duniam said bookings on the Spirit had dropped by up to 85 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our $6 million boost is turning that around, with more than 13,700 bookings this month alone bringing travellers to our island and providing the kickstart we need to rebuild tourism,” he said.

“For travel from today until June 30, or until the remaining $2.1 million in funding has been exhausted, travellers can bring their car or motorbike to Tasmania at zero cost and discover everything Tasmania has to offer.”

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