Editor:
Keith Maxwell provided an opinion in his letter to the editor (Coast Reporter, Jan. 4) questioning the rationale for the Ferry Advisory Committee chairs' group recommendation to reduce ferry fares by 25 per cent on Route 3 (Horseshoe Bay/Langdale) and other minor routes. Fares on Route 3 have increased 75 per cent since 2003 and are scheduled to increase a further 12 per cent over the next three years.
The ferry commissioner conducted over 40 meetings in coastal communities during the fall of 2011. The commissioner concluded that fares had reached the tipping point of affordability and are imposing significant hardship on ferry dependent communities and the ability of people to visit family members and friends. The province's Coastal Ferries Consultation and Engagement program hosted 38 public meetings this fall. A report will be available in February summarizing the feedback during the process and how input was addressed.
Governments enable public transportation systems by providing a taxpayer contribution. The capital costs of most highway and other public transport components in B.C. are financed by the province. B.C. Ferry users are expected to pay all of the operating and maintenance costs as well as an increasing percentage of the capital cost for ships and terminals. If cost of capital for the ferry infrastructure is paid by the province, a substantial fare reduction could result and begin to restore loss in traffic.
A contribution is required to connect coastal communities in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner. It should be fair when compared to contributions for highways, public transit systems and free inland ferries. Ferries are our bridge in the provincial highway network.
Barry Cavens, chair, Southern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee
