B.C. Ferries is awaiting an imminent decision from the B.C. ferry commissioner on its application for an additional 9.5 per cent fuel surcharge on fares. Oil companies' refining premium continues to be a substantial issue for the ferry corporation, chief financial officer Rob Clarke told the Sunshine Coast ferry advisory committee at its June 12 meeting in Sechelt. The surcharge was just one of a number of items before the committee.
Langdale terminal director Monique Joubarne announced the terminal will be installing two passenger ticket dispensers this month for walk-on boarding passes. The new electronic system would provide more accurate passenger counts as a safety measure, she explained.
The dispensers will sit on both sides of the main ramp at berth one near the passenger shelters. Large organized groups will be asked to give their headcount to the terminal attendant instead of using the machines. The exact date of installment has not yet been set. The Queen of Surrey ferry will return to the Langdale - Horseshoe Bay route from its midlife refit in time for the start of the summer schedule June 28. The summer schedule is posted at www.bcferries.com. Of the 734 seats onboard the passenger deck, 501 will face each other, while the remainder will be one-directional airline style, marine superintendent Capt. Steve Graham said at the meeting. In addition, the Surrey will have footrests at seats.
B.C. Ferries is considering replacing the route's pre-paid paper book of tickets with a Coast card - a wallet-sized piece of plastic for electronic loading of tickets.
It is seeking input from the Sunshine Coast community whether the card would be a preferred option. The cards would provide loss protection to customers, Clarke told the committee, and the corporation could track lost tickets to keep its accounting in order. The reusable cards cost approximately 25 cents to produce, while "the cost of producing tickets is substantial," said Geoff Dickson, vice-president of marketing. The company is also seeking input on the length of expiry for purchases made on the card. The committee's re-elected chair Ed Steeves will take feedback from the community.
On Tuesday, June 20, berth one will temporarily close for maintenance work after the 8:20 a.m. sailing. As a result, delays could occur that day. The Queen of Coquitlam will operate out of berth two until berth one reopens by the first sailing June 21. Crews will be replacing chains under berth one's ramp, according to a service notice.
