BC Ferries Commission to allow for Ferry rate increases of up to 2.3%

The path has been cleared for a potential 2.3 per cent fare increase for
Ferry users next April, that following a decision Monday from the
BC Ferries Commission

The rate of potential annual fare increases will not exceed 2.3% over the course of the next four years, as the BC Ferries Commissioner confirms the price cap until March 31st of 2020.

The ruling which was released on Monday comes following a period of review by the BC Ferries Commission, which telegraphed its intentions last April, though with a caveat related to any extraordinary situation arising for the BC Ferry Corporation.

 “This final price cap decision confirms the preliminary decision announced on April 1 of this year.  We believe these increases are in the public interest – affordable to ferry users and taxpayers, while sufficient to allow BC Ferries to meet their financial targets, barring any extraordinary situation.” -- BC Ferries Commissioner Sheldon Stoilen

The review of the proposed rate increase included input from BC Ferries, the BC Government, comments from the public and a performance review on BC Ferries' efficiency and long term planning.

As part of the final price cap decision, the Commissioner confirmed an efficiency target – equivalent to 1% of annual operating, maintenance and administrative expenses – which BC Ferries must meet and report on annually.

In addition, the Commissioner is encouraging BC Ferries to establish GHG-reduction targets, and to pursue the electrification of the new Island class ferries – being introduced next year – as soon as the infrastructure and technology are available.

You can review the background notes to their decision here.

The range of material that they considered as they reviewed the price cap decision can be examined here.

For more items of note on Ferry Transportation on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii see our archive page here.