WHEREAS increases to travel costs for marine vehicle and passenger transportation aboard BC Ferries, the only transportation source to Vancouver Island and adjacent islands, has a significant impact to residents and visitors; AND WHEREAS the BC Ferries unregulated reservation fee and number of spaces, assured loading tickets and number of spaces forces customers to pay higher costs to ensure boarding, or be displaced with a longer wait time for boarding: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government amend the Coastal Ferry Act to require that reservation fees, the percentage of reserved spots, and assured loading tickets also be subject to the public consultation process through the BC Ferry Commission.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION BC Ferries is an independent but regulated company. Ferry users are protected by an independent ferry commissioner who regulates ferry operations and takes a broad approach to the review of ferry services and concerns raised by users. In accordance with the Coastal Ferry Act, the Ferry Commissioner presented an annual report on July 31, 2007 for the year ending March 31, 2007. The Ferry Commissioner noted: the number of car drivers paying for priority loading, available as an option on the three major routes and more recently on the Sunshine Coast route, using pre-paid reservations or assured loading tickets, has grown by over 40, from about one-in-seven in 200304 to one-in-five in 200607. Remarkably, we do not detect worsening service for those car drivers not choosing to pay the premium for priority, i.e. paying just the regulated rate. The annual count of overload vehicles, i.e. those left behind on the dock after a sailing departs, has fallen overall. This is good news for ferry users who can be assured that BC Ferries is making progress in its efforts to ensure boarding for all passengers waiting to embark on a ferry. British Columbians have made it very clear they prefer BC Ferries to be independent of government. Given the current model, it would not be appropriate for the Ministry of Transportation Ministry to intervene in the operational matters of BC Ferries. It should be noted, however, that BC Ferries values customer feedback and local governments, community groups and individuals are encouraged to communicate with BC Ferries and the BC Ferry Commission directly on issues that may be of concern. BC Ferries is involved in ongoing consultation with twelve Ferry Advisory Committees FACs representing communities served by BC Ferries. The FACs also do a good job of keeping the Ministry aware of community views.