As per IOM online today.

STEAM Packet passenger numbers have fallen again, according to Department of Transport figures.

In October 41,160 travellers passed through Douglas harbour, 4 per cent down on the same month last year.

The loss of the Dublin route has been blamed.

So far this year 548,630 passengers have been carried by the ferry company, 6.7 per cent down on the same period in 2004.

More cars and bikes were carried last month than in October 2004, up 2.8 per cent to a record level for the month.

However, the total for the year so far is down 0.8 per cent to 156,122 compared with last year.

Director of harbours Captain Michael Brew said: 'Excluding the Dublin route which did not operate this year, passenger traffic on the core routes remains practically constant.

'The Heysham route shows strong growth at the expense of the Liverpool route.'



Could this mean even more expensive fares next year ???????