TransLink, the agency in charge of public transit on the Lower Mainland, says it plans to open talks in December with successful companies who put forward expressions of interest in using the Vancouver SeaBus terminal for passenger ferries or water taxis serving Victoria, Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast.
“Since users of the private ferry and water taxi services will need to pass through TransLink’s fare paid zone, they will need to carry valid proof of fare. Through the sale of transit tickets to passengers using these services, we hope to drive revenues,” said TransLink’s Chris Bryan. “Renovations to the terminal to accommodate these new operations will be paid for by the private ferry and water taxi operators.”
TransLink wouldn’t reveal how many companies came forward or whether any were proposing service to the Sunshine Coast.
Pacific Ferries had been running service between Gibsons, Horseshoe Bay and downtown Vancouver but suspended operations in September after being denied use of the Harbour Green dock in Coal Harbour.
Owner Ihab Shaker said it was their initial approach to TransLink last summer that led to the call for expressions of interest, but they’ve also submitted a proposal to the Vancouver Park Board to continue using Harbour Green. Shaker said it could be four or five months before they get a response.
Nanaimo-based Island Ferries said this week it was also one of the companies that put in an offer to TransLink. Operations manager Dave Marshall said their proposal is tied to its plan for a Nanaimo-Vancouver route and does not include the Sunshine Coast.
