Editor:
Re: possible ferry service reductions (Coast Reporter, May 18).
I am disheartened at the shortsightedness of this potential plan, and even more so by the lack of concern by the elected officials of Sechelt.
At the all-candidates meetings last November, not a single candidate mentioned the challenges and issues of the ferry system, despite the fact that all the communities on the Sunshine Coast depend on B.C. Ferries.
Our mayor is quoted in the current Coast Reporter article as saying "I can see the only economic solution is to perhaps reduce service."
This statement seems very disconnected from the focus of this same council that Sechelt is "open for business." It is a little difficult to have viable, sustainable businesses without the customers.
The ferry fares continue to significantly increase while the usage rate declines, and with the lack of sufficient sailings to accommodate busy holiday periods, this level of usage will only worsen.
On the long May weekend, B.C. Ferries added only two ferries on Monday, one in the morning and one at 10:40 p.m., leaving the rest of the day as normal. All the afternoon sailings had two sailing waits, and at 6:15 p.m., there was a four and a half hour wait on the Langdale to Horseshoe route. All other major routes were accommodating their travelling traffic far better, with little or no waits.
Surely it is past time for our elected officials to step forward and make sure that all Sunshine Coast residents and visitors are receiving good value and service for the cost of their ticket on B.C. Ferries.
Diana Mumford, Sechelt
