Editor:
We travelled on BC Ferries April 24, 10:50 a.m. ferry. We did not have a reservation but arrived an hour and an half early to the Langdale terminal. We were told we could not access the disability lane even though we have a disability card prescribed by our doctor as well as the red ferry disability card. The reason was, a full ferry.
That did not appear to be correct. There were three cars in the disability lane at the terminal and not all lanes appeared to be full. Having travelled since 2017 with a disability card, never before have we been turned away from the disability lane.
We were put in a lane nowhere close to a washroom.
I returned to the ticket booth explaining our reasons to be in the disability lane. I was dismissed, and again denied access to this lane.
Looks to me like discrimination against seniors with disabilities.
We were put in the lot where it was very difficult to get to any facilities. At one point I had to look for help to get a wheelchair in order to return to our car.
I was told by BC Ferries, when I called at that point, there was a 70 per cent reservation allotment. This doesn’t leave much room for those without reservations. In my opinion, this is quite ridiculous and unacceptable.
Our ferry system needs to return to the public domain as it is with all roads in our province. This is our only means of travel off the Sunshine Coast and is our marine highway.
Those who require the disability lane must never be turned away.
As a result, even though we were at the ferry with ample time we did not get on this ferry, having to wait two more hours for the next ferry, and not close to necessary facilities.
My question to BC Ferries is: What do you have a disability lane for if people with disabilities are denied access into this lane?
Sincerely,
Ellie Lenz, Secret Cove
