The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today suspended the effective date of the rate increase requested by Champion's Auto Ferry, Inc. for roundtrips between Harsens Island and Algonac until Aug. 31.  The suspension will allow the MPSC to investigate whether the company's proposed rate increase is justified.

Champion's Auto Ferry filed a tariff with the MPSC on July 3 that proposed to raise the rates, as follows:  the discounted commuter rate would increase by 50 cents per roundtrip; single roundtrips for automobiles would increase from $6 to $7; single axle trailers would remain at $5 per roundtrip; the rate for multiple axle vehicles would also remain at the new $15 rate that went into effect on May 15; the rate for gas trucks would increase from $24 to $25 per roundtrip; the rate for motorcycles would increase from $2 to $3 per roundtrip; the school bus rate would increase from $4.50 to $5 per roundtrip; and the rate for dual wheel pick-ups would increase from $6 to $7 per roundtrip.

Today's order keeps the tariff previously issued by Champion's Auto Ferry in effect until further order of the MPSC.  An evidentiary hearing on the proposed rate increase will be held at 9 a.m. on Aug. 12.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

T-1860