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Think again about real costs of driving Vs ferry
Most people only think of the immediate impact on their hip pockets when booking a ferry fare. They seldom consider the real value of the service, or the fact that once all costs other than just fuel outlay are taken into account, the ferry actually is a more economical - and enjoyable – alternative. To illustrate this, Sea SA undertook a comprehensive analysis of the real costs of driving around the Spencer Gulf with a caravan in tow and compared this to the cost of ferry travel (refer to the summary below).
The analysis showed that the cost of driving around the Gulf with a caravan one way = $309 based on 325 kms - compared to the cost of taking the ferry with a 4 metre caravan and 2 passengers = $305 one way in peak season, or $289 one-way off peak.
"Fuel outlay only contributes about 28% of the total cost of driving a car with a caravan in tow around the Spencer Gulf," Sea SA Managing Director, Stephanie Dawson revealed. "Additional costs largely overlooked, include wear and tear on vehicles, insurance, depreciation on vehicle value, time, accident risk and stress due to speeding fines, pot-holes, and driver fatigue."
When these extrapolated costs are also accounted for, the real cost of towing a caravan is 95 cents per kilometre, or $309 for the 325 kilometre one-way road journey, compared with $305 on the ferry (based on peak-season one-way fare for a 4 metre caravan with 2 passengers).
Based on the 15% special off-peak rate available to caravans, trailers and motor-homes from 14 April – 31 August, the ferry price drops to just $289 one-way, a saving in real terms of $20 compared with the full cost of driving. Mid-week travel is even cheaper; a special 'recession buster' price offers a 50% discount on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for all vehicles (except trucks and buses) from 17 February until 1 May 2009.
For people travelling with cars only, off-peak savings of up to 25% are currently available on select ‘Early Bird' services (an offer available to the first 15 people to book the first and last ferries of the day, from Monday to Friday), reducing the ferry fare to as little as $146.25 one-way, for a standard vehicle and two passengers.
“Not only does the ferry come out on top on price compared with driving, there are many other benefits which make it a very attractive option,” Stephanie said. “Driver fatigue is a big problem on our roads and the culprit behind so many accidents. Relaxing for a 2 hour cruise, means drivers get to recharge with a power-nap or a coffee, stretch their legs, or enjoy going on-line or watching a movie.”
ANALYSIS OF COST OF RUNNING A CAR & CARAVAN – FERRY OR ROAD?
Ø The cost of an average family car - $35,000
Ø The average cost of fuel is $1.10 per litre inclusive of GST
Ø The average number of kilometres travelled by the car per annum - 20,000
Ø The average cost of a caravan suitable for around Australia travel - $25,000
Ø The fuel economy of a car pulling a caravan is approx 15 litres per 100 kms or 6.5 kms per litre
Ø Insurance on the car full comprehensive estimated at $605
Ø Insurance on the caravan full comprehensive estimated at $350
Ø Registration of car including CTP - $550
Ø Registration of caravan - $250
Ø One new set tyres for the car per annum - $250 per tyre
Ø One new set of tyres for the caravan every two years
Ø Depreciation rate for the car 15% prime cost
Ø Depreciation rate for caravan 10% prime cost
Ø Repairs per annum for the car, two services $800, sundry repairs say $400
Ø Taking these real costs into account, overall cost to drive a car with a caravan in tow is 95 cents per kilometre.
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