Fare increases on the way for BC Ferries users

With the just released BC Ferries Consultation Report still making for examination and conversation up and down the coast, the BC Ferry Corporation has added to the talking points with an announcement that effective April 1st, it will cost British Columbians more money to ride the coastal ferries of the province.

The advisory that passengers will dig a little deeper was provided in a press release from BC Ferries which outlined the scope of the planned increases on all routes.

The average increase, as approved by the BC Ferry Commissioner's Order of October will average at 4.1 per cent on all routes.

Of note for North Coast residents are the increases planned for both the Port Hardy to Prince Rupert and Prince Rupert to Skidegate runs.

The increases for each can be found below:

Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
(shoulder season)  

Passengers: $140.50 an increase from the current rate of $135.00
Passenger Vehicle: $324.75 an increase from the current rate of $312.00
Bus per foot rate: $26.00 an increase from the current rate of $25.00
Commercial per foot rate: $38.00 an increase from the current rate of $36.50

Prince Rupert to Skidegate
(Off peak season)

Passengers: No Increase
Passenger Vehicle: $126.00 an increase from the current rate of $121.00
Bus per foot rate: $12.00 an increase from the current rate of $11.50
Commercial per foot rate: $17.25 an increase from the current rate of $16.50

On Haida Gwaii, the cost of travel also is increasing for the inter Island ferry there.

Skidegate to Alliford Bay
(Fare includes return trip)

Passengers: $9.45 an increase from the current rate of $9.10
Passenger Vehicle: $22.15 an increase from the current rate of $21.30
Bus per foot rate: $2.40 and increase from the current rate of $2.30
Commercial per foot rate: $2.75 an increase from the current rate of $2.60

News items on the ferry rate increases:

Victoria Times Colonist-- B. C. Ferries raises fares for passengers and vehicles, effective April 1