New federal security measures, which took effect April 1, permit passenger searches, require proof of purchase for passengers and add more security cameras and officers in terminals and on ferries. The changes are part of Transport Canada's Domestic Ferry Regulations.
Despite the new regulations Lori Patterson, spokesperson for Metro Transit, says the measures should have a minimal effect on passengers.
"They (passengers) will see more decals posted around ferry terminals in terms of entering that facility. It is a secure facility and it means their consent, that they could be searched. So that's what they'll notice," she says. "But on a day-to-day basis there wouldn't be much difference except the requirement of proof of purchase in the waiting area."
The new measures cost roughly $500,000 to implement. Primary funding was provided through a $393,000 grant from Transport Canada's Marine Security Contribution program with HRM responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
