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CPA implements new port fee
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Posted on Dec 15 2008
The Commonwealth Ports Authority began charging passengers yesterday a new port fee of $2.25 on a one-way ticket from Tinian.
Before, only the Saipan to Tinian trip was charged the port fee. This time, passengers are being charged $2.25 at both ends of the journey. This means a total round trip fee of $4.50.
Passengers bound for Saipan aboard one of the ferries of Tinian Shipping and Transportation Inc.—mostly guests of the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino—were caught unaware of the implementation of the new fee yesterday and were left with no recourse but to pay.
Port Manager and CPA officer-in-charge Ignacio L. Perez personally supervised the start of the implementation of the new fee at the Tinian port.
Perez said they are also implementing the same to passengers at the airport.
He said they expected to meet some negative reactions from the public but he said this is natural because it’s the first day of implementation.
“We are here to observe. This is the transition period and we are expecting some difficulties,” Perez said.
A representative from Tinian Shipping, Antonio Sunga Jr., was also seen assisting passengers.
According to Sunga, an agreement was reached between Tinian Shipping and CPA that all fees for the hotel guests must be charged to the hotel.
This is provided, however, that the guest would show a voucher from the hotel as proof.
A crew said their ship was also charged with the same fee that CPA charges a person.
Last week, the CPA announced that a “nominal” hike in airport fees has already been in effect while the fee hike for seaport activities will be implemented in mid-January 2009.
The increases have been between 5 and 10 percent as recommended by CPA’s bond consultant for the airport, Ricondo Associates.
The BST Associates rate study also recommended a 20-percent hike in seaport fees but this figure is still being finalized by the management and the board.
Last month, the CPA board approved the increase in the parking fee for taxis and buses at seaport properties from $5 to $25, the same rate charged by the airport.
