BC Ferries Fees and Performance measures of note for Province

The Northern Adventure at Fairview awaiting a departure

With confirmation from the BC Ferries Commissioner that fare increases for BC Ferries will average  3.2% over each of the next four years, the Province of British Columbia has outlined how its investment has serviced reduce that financial hit for travellers. 

The BC Ferries Commissioner released a forty five page report to the topic on Tuesday.

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The full report from BC Ferries Commissioner Eva Hage, can be reviewed here.

At the same time they have also  outlined some of the measures that they hope will see an improvement from the numerous cancellations that marked the summer of 2023 travel season.

In a statement yesterday, Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportaiotn and Infrastructure observed of the frustrations for travellers this past summer.

“I know that this past summer has been frustrating for ferry users, and a challenge for BC Ferries given staffing and mechanical issues. By lowering fare increases with our $500-million investment, BC Ferries can remain focused on delivering the service people need, while growing and modernizing its fleet to improve reliability.”

The Government's statement also noted that without the the provincial funding of this year, the fare increases would likely have been close to 9.2% for the next four years.

At the same time, Fleming announced that the Province has renewed is service contract with BC Ferries for four year Performance term which runs from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028. With it will come schedule additions and penalty provisions towards delivering on core service sailings.

 “People want to know their sailings will run as scheduled. While BC Ferries is working hard to secure additional staffing, the provision for penalties is an added measure to hold the company to account for the services it is contracted to provide.” 

Towards that note, the province provided some additional notes on how they will seek improvements.

The new Coastal Ferry Services Contract specifies the annual addition of 1,433 round-trip sailings, previously designated as discretionary sailings, to core services on 13 minor routes. This will add capacity and improve service for smaller, ferry-dependent communities. 

The Province is also working with BC Ferries to improve reliability by including penalty provisions for core-service sailings missed due to insufficient crew. 

Details of how penalties will be applied will be confirmed in the spring.

Media reports from Victoria indicate that the penalties will range from $7,000 for the major. routes to $1,000 on specified minor routes.

More on those measures will be announced at the start of the next four year performance term in April 2024.

You can review the full information release here.

Notes on BC Ferries service to the North Coast, central coast and Haida Gwaii can be reviewed from our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.