Residents on the Coast are looking at paying a fuel surcharge ranging from 30 cents to $5.50 when boarding ferries should the B.C. Ferries commissioner approve the hike.
B.C. Ferries has submitted a plan to the commissioner looking for approval to institute a fuel surcharge fee on all B.C. Ferries routes. That fee varies from 30 cents for foot passengers who are travelling by bus to $5.50 for over-height vehicles travelling between Langdale and Horseshoe Bay.
"Fuel is our second largest expense, and the cost is growing. With world energy prices remaining extremely high, we anticipate having to recover approximately $25 million in incremental fuel costs by the end of the current fiscal year," said David Hahn, president and CEO of B.C. Ferries.
Ed Steeves, chair of the Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee, said his group plans to make a presentation to the commissioner asking him not to implement the charge on the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale route.
"We've had communication with Mr. Hahn and we have expressed our dissatisfaction this is not something that's going to go away. We're looking for a better deal," Steeves said.
His group is currently looking at the Langdale/Horseshoe Bay route report and gathering information for its presentation to the commissioner, who Steeves notes will be looking for public consultation before approving the surcharge.
Current proposed fuel surcharges for the Langdale/Horseshoe Bay route include 80 cents more for passenger fares, including child fares, $2.50 more for under-height vehicles, $5.50 more for over-height vehicles, 30 cents more for bus foot fares and 40 cents more for commercial vehicle foot fares.
