Premier Jim Bacon announced today that cars will travel free 45 weeks of the year on TT-Line�s new superfast monohulls, Spirit of Tasmania I and II.

�The TT-Line has taken the opportunity to reduce vehicle fares in both the shoulder and off-peak seasons.

�Standard cars will travel free on the two new Bass Strait vessels for 45 weeks a year.

�Motorhomes and motorbikes will also travel free for 45 weeks of the year.

�It is anticipated that these changes, together with the new ships� greater vehicle carrying capacity and availability of passenger fares from $100, will create the greatest-ever expansion in visitor numbers to Tasmania.

�This is in direct response to calls from the Tasmanian tourism industry to provide a financial incentive to boost visitor numbers in spring and autumn � the shoulder seasons.

�The Federal Government subsidy announced recently will contribute to the cheaper fares.

�There is no doubt that by buying two new vessels we are best placed to take maximum advantage of the subsidy.

�Whilst there will be a cost to the TT-Line in reducing the shoulder fare to zero, the cost will be offset by the additional usage that we are anticipating.

�For example during the off-peak season a couple with a standard car booked in a double cabin will now be paying $404, when previously they would have been paying $444 one-way.

�In the peak season, the fare will be $543 for a couple with a standard car booked in a double cabin.

�Fares will also drop by the same amount during the shoulder season and for families in four berth cabins with standard cars for both off peak and shoulder seasons.

�Standard cars up to five metres in length and motor homes and cars and caravans up to seven metres in length will travel free in all but the peak season.

�A family of two adults and two children with a seven metre motor home will now be able to travel in the shoulder season for $350 each way compared to $669 at present. This is a saving of $638 on the return trip.

�In the peak season, fares will also be reduced for the same family with their seven-metre motorhome � from $774 at present to $522. This is a saving of $504 on the return trip.

�The scheme will be effective from 1 September 2002 and those vehicles booked to travel on board the new Spirit of Tasmania I and II after this date will receive refunds.�

Contact: A.Mark Thomas on 6233 2222 or 0419 306 675 Web site address - http://www.media.tas.gov.au/ E-mail: media.office@dpac.tas.gov.au