The fuel surcharge on three major routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland dropped from five per cent to two per cent effective July 20.
Minor routes were also given the same adjustment and on the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route the fuel surcharge was reduced from 2.5 per cent to two per cent.
"The recent decrease in the cost of fuel allows us to reduce the fuel surcharges, which is great news for summer travellers," said B.C. Ferries president and CEO Mike Corrigan in a company press release. "Fuel was our second highest expenditure last year at $121 million so we closely monitor the cost and reduce our consumption wherever possible," he added.
B.C. Ferries' fuel costs have skyrocketed from $45.9 million in 2003 to the current figure of $121 million and the company began applying fuel surcharges in 2008 to offset rising costs. Customers were given a fuel rebate when prices fell in 2009 and 2010 but the surcharges were increased once again last June. Last week's announcement restored many of them to the way they were before that increase last year.
Missing hiker found
A hiker, reported missing in Tetrahedron Provincial Park, was located by search crews last Friday morning.
According to Sunshine Coast RCMP, the hiker was reported missing, but was located by Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue and wasn't actually lost or missing in the first place.
"He'd given his parents a date when he would return, but he gave them the wrong date," said Cpl. Steve Chubey. "They expected him home yesterday (July 26) when he meant to tell them he'd return today (July 27). SAR located him in a cabin.
Dicey weather at higher elevations was said to be a concern for search teams.
