The Kunta Kinteh Ferry
By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Ferry Services has announced that all security personnel are now required to pay ferry crossing fees, with the exception of members of the Gambia Armed Forces.
In a statement, the ferry service reminded security personnel that they must now pay for ferry crossings at all points, effective immediately. However, personnel from The Gambia National Army, when in uniform or carrying identification, are exempt from the fees by law.
“Security personnel are reminded that they are also required to pay for ferry crossing charges at all crossing points with immediate effect, except for The Gambia National Army Officials in uniform or IDs who are exempted by Law from paying for the use of ferry services. All are urged to comply with this announcement, and Management wishes to assure its commitment to continue to provide safer, more reliable, and sustainable service to our customers,” the Gambia Ferry Service announced.
The Ferry Services Company operates five crossing points across the country, striving to provide safe and dependable service to customers. They explained that revenue from the Banjul/Barra crossing, though insufficient to cover all operational costs, helps sustain the Janjanbureh, Kaur, Barrajally, and Bansang provincial crossing points.
Due to rising operating expenses over the years, The Gambia Ferry Services urges the public to continue paying ferry fees to support safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
“The ferries bear high operating costs mainly, customs duty, spare parts and fuel, dry docking, other maintenance and staff salaries, thus depending mainly on the sales of ferry crossing tickets to contribute to our operational costs.
“Those members of the general public who use the ferry on a daily basis will be offered weekly or monthly crossing passes as part of the upcoming digitization process to be launched in the next few months,” The Gambia Ferry Services Management added.