November 25, 2003

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today approved a settlement agreement with Champion’s Auto Ferry, authorizing a rate increase, effective Jan. 1, 2004, in the annual amount of $36,003.  The Commission found the settlement agreement to be reasonable and in the public interest.

Champion’s had requested an annual rate increase of $147,000, effective Nov. 1, 2003, for round trips between Harsens Island and Algonac.  The MPSC on Oct. 7 suspended the effective date of that requested rate increase to investigate whether the company’s proposed rate increase was justified.

Today’s order keeps the rate for passenger vehicles unchanged at $5 per round trip.  Champion’s had requested that passenger vehicles be charged $6 per round trip.

Rate increases are:

• Trucks -- $6 (up from $5);

• Hazardous materials haulers -- $24 (up from $22);

• Multi-axle trucks -- $12 (up from $10); and

• Dual wheel pick-ups -- $6 (up from $5)

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

Case No. T-1572

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