WHEREAS service levels, fare increases exceeding the consumer price index, and unsatisfactory on-time performance negatively impact ferry users, their families and their communities to the extent that the social and economic cost of the service could ultimately result in a migration away from ferry dependent communities; AND WHEREAS coastal ferries are an extension of the highway system and an essential part of the provincial transportation network, crucial to the economic and social health of the coastal region and the tourism industry: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that BC Ferry Services be funded and administered as a critical component of the provincial transportation system in order to provide affordable, accessible and dependable service.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure BC Ferries is a critical component of BCs transportation infrastructure and the Province has a strong financial commitment to coastal ferries. This year, taxpayers will contribute 200 million to support coastal ferry services. Thats more than double the 95 million contribution made in 2001. Despite government support, the costs of providing ferry services are increasing. Taxpayers across BC contribute significantly, but ferry users must also share these costs. As BC Ferries is independent from government, concerns regarding operational issues such as on-time performance are best addressed by BC Ferries. The BC Ferry Commissions annual report indicated that overall, BC Ferries had good on-time performance with 89 percent of sailings departing within 10 minutes of the schedule. Concerns about on-time performance for a specific route should be shared with the BC Ferry Commissioner who can look into on-time performance issues in his capacity as the regulator. The Ferry Commissioner recently conducted a probe into BC Ferries on-time performance on the NanaimoGabriola island route. There were mechanical problems with the Queen of Surrey this summer but BC Ferries took steps to minimize the disruption. Customer service is important to BC Ferries and they have been working closely with the Southern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee to discuss scheduling and on-time performance issues.