Editor:
We the taxpayers are the shareholders of the BC Ferry Corp., and it is our provincial government that needs to change the contract to provide a more efficient and reasonable service/cost for the residents of the Coast.
Last year we and our local governments with the local ferry advisory committee raised our concerns. Government responded by decidingthey needed to hire consultants to study the issues, and now the report has been released. And what do you know? Government announced they will hold off on a decision until after the election. BC Ferries has a scheduled 12 per cent hike in fares over the next three years. If we were at the tipping point last year, where does this leave us?
I will not be voting for any party that does not clearlydeclare exactly whatthey intend to do with BC Ferries. This is too important an issue for Coast residents to let it continue to slide by. I hope you willadd your voice todemanding an action plan.
I truly believe we need to make significant changes to the contract as it is too prescriptive for BC Ferries to respond to much-needed changes. Changes could allow BC Ferries to use greater flexibility to provide passenger services and inter-operability of the system. A lot of us would like to see increase in service and later sailings. Perhaps this could be achieved with a passenger-only service or perhaps a late sailing could be done with a smaller boat.
None of us has the figures to make aninformed decision, but neither the government nor BC Ferries have gone out of their way to propose something that might work, but as always are quick to recommend new fare hikes.
Let's make BC Ferries an issue for all parties in the provincial election.
Kenan MacKenzie
Roberts Creek
