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Post by ferryfast admin on Apr 15, 2005 20:21:21 GMT -5
Badger ferry makes improvements to fight competition April 15, 2005, 3:30 PM Detroit Free Press www.freep.com/SS Badger - Ludington, MI www.ssbadger.com/Lake Express - Milwaukee, WI www.lake-express.com/MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) -- The company that owns the S.S. Badger car ferry has made more than $100,000 in improvements as it tries to compete with the high-speed Lake Express for passengers crossing Lake Michigan. The Lake Express cut into the Badger's passenger traffic after it started last year, although bad weather and high gas prices probably also depressed travel, said Lynda Daugherty, a spokeswoman for the Lake Michigan Carferry Service, which owns the Badger. The Badger runs between Manitowoc and Ludington, Mich., at 18 miles per hour, while the Lake Express travels between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Mich., at 40 mph. Service for both operations starts mid-May. Daugherty said the Badger has been redecorated and repainted with a nautical theme, its crew has new uniforms, a children's play area was redesigned to include more interactive and educational games, and a part-time staffer was hired to oversee children's activities, including face-painting and puppet shows. Pets also are now allowed on deck in a special ventilated kennel area dubbed "Badger Bowsers," and will get treats and bandannas, she said. The Badger announcement followed word that the Lake Express is upgrading its first-class cabin. But Daugherty said rising fuel costs have forced the Badger to increase fares this year.
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