Senators yesterday approved Government’s proposal to scale down the Warwick/Paget ferry fare hike to a 25 percent increase.The fare had initially been $2.50, but was doubled to $5 on November 1, sparking a boycott from angry commuters.Opposition Senators had no problem approving the scale down on the increase which they said should not have been made in the first place.“At least it’s been rolled back,” said Senator Michael Fahy. “And if the Government is going to make decisions again about raising fares they think long and hard about it in the first place.”“Government has run out of money, overspent its budget and looking for more revenue,” said Senator Dunkley.He added that it was clear the ferry system was not functioning properly.Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes questioned why the private sector had not stepped up to the opportunity of providing a ferry or water taxi service, as was the case in other islands.Ruling party Senator Jonathan Smith said that the saga highlighted the choices faced by the public.“It’s actually something the Premier addressed earlier this week,” he said. “And really, she’s put it out there for the country for feedback what services does the country expect and how much are they willing their Government to do? And the ferry regulations provide a good example of what that quandary is.”He said the public needed to hear that the ferries were extremely subsidised and costly to provide.But he said Government had listened to the public. “There was objection to the fare increase and the Government has rolled it back.”