Editor:
After reading about the interview with CEO Mike Corrigan (Coast Reporter, April 24), I am shocked that Coast residents are not more grateful about the wonderful ferry service provided by BC Ferries.
We should be happy that Route No. 3 has an on-time rate of 62 per cent, and that we regularly have days like Monday, April 20 where only the first 6:20 a.m. ferry was on time!
We should be glad that BC Ferries, in its ultimate wisdom, does not believe Coast residents should be able to travel our provincial marine highway for work, family or shopping without spending quality time sitting in the Langdale ferry terminal on Sundays waiting, due to constant overloads and reduced sailings.
Mr. Corrigan goes on to say that BC Ferries provides good value in ferry rates, and it is noted in this article that the cost of a standard vehicle, driver and one passenger costs $84.70. I can easily see why this is such a bargain when you compare this fare to Washington State ferries. If one is to take a ferry from Seattle to Bremerton, a 55-minute ride, it would cost $29.90 (vehicle, driver, passenger) each way, with a total of $59.80 return. Washington State ferries offer only 21 sailings a day on this route, while we are so lucky to get seven or eight! One can surely see that Coast residents get such a deal!
Mr. Corrigan wants Coast residents to put up and shut up, because he believes we are turning people away from travelling to the Coast. It is disheartening to see that he is more willing to pass blame onto others, rather than using his position as BC Ferries CEO to increase ferry usage and to provide the service, fares and sailings that we deserve as taxpaying B.C. citizens.
Jean Campbell, Sechelt
