Come April 1, coastal communities are going to be hit hard once again in their pocket books, forking out more money to B.C. Ferries.
Fares are expected to climb by about 8.4 per cent for both walk-on and vehicle passengers. The cost for adult walk-on passengers will be $12.85 up from $11.85 and vehicles will be $43.20 up from $39.90.
Ferry commissioner Martin Crilly approved a package of increases on all routes on Friday, Feb. 12.
Among the increases is a scheduled 5.68 per cent increase for all minor routes (including Langdale) and an increase on fare caps, which are the maximum allowable average fare.
Rising ferry fares have had a major economic impact on coastal communities since 2003, when provincial legislation changed the way B.C. Ferries operates. Increases in ferry costs directly affect the cost of doing business in ferry-dependent communities, like ours here on the Sunshine Coast. We rely on the ferry system for everything - the movement of goods and services to and from the mainland, and of travellers to and from the mainland. Without the ferry system, we'd be sunk.
The Ferry Commission was created by provincial legislation to be the watchdog for the ferry corporation. It was created to give the public a voice and someone to watch over the corporation to ensure there is not an abuse of power. However, it does not include protecting the public or the many communities up and down the B.C. coast that are dependent on the ferry service.
Late last year, the provincial government ordered a review of the B.C. Ferry system. In the report, the comptroller general made several key recommendations aimed at improving the way the ferry corporation does business, hopefully improving the system for the betterment of all who use it and rely on it. The report also stated that the commission's mandate should change.
So why have those changes not been put in place yet? What is the provincial government waiting for? What is B.C. Ferries waiting for?
While we all play the waiting game, fares continue to rise. Our FAC continues to fight for the return of a 5:30 p.m. summer commuter sailing. Our FAC continues to fight for better service.
The foundation has been laid by the comptroller general's report. It's time for the provincial government to quit stalling and change the legislation making ferry system a part of our highway system.
