Saturday May 18, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Travel on BC Ferries is traditionally busy on the May long weekend as people enjoy getaways on what is considered the ‘unofficial start of summer’ for travel and activities.
Other BC Ferries weekends with heavy traffic loads include BC Day (first weekend in August), Canada Day (weekend including July 1), Labour Day (first weekend in September), Thanksgiving (mid-October), Remembrance Day (November 11) and Christmas (December 24 through December 26, or days just preceding or following those holiday days).
BC Ferries also cites the second-last weekend in August as a busy travel weekend, as people take one last shot at summer before the back-to-school season.
“We place a lot of emphasis on preparing for them (busy weekends),” says BC Ferries Seniors Communications Advisor Ceilidh Marlow.
Of course, unexpected weather interruptions can create ‘busy’ times for the ferry service, when backlogs are generally experienced.
Record number expected in 2024:
A record number of people and vehicles are expected on board BC Ferries vessels this summer, says BC Ferries in a news release issued May 15.
“And with the busy travel season approaching, fleet and crew are preparing to get customers to their destinations safely, affordably and on time,” the transportation provider said.
Traffic load. more sailings:
BC Ferries says that between June 1 and September 5, 2024, 8 million passengers and 3.2 million vehicles are expected on board more than 56,000 sailings across 25 routes up and down the coast. That’s an increase from the 7.8 million passengers and 3 million vehicles that travelled last summer.
Nearly 350 additional sailings are being added during peak season along some of the busiest routes to meet the summer rush.
That will include a third vessel serving the route between Tsawwassen (Delta/Vancouver) and Duke Point (at Nanaimo), an additional early morning sailing between Swartz Bay (Sidney/Victoria) and Tsawwassen and more scheduled sailings between Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.
Dropping the fuel surcharge:
Starting June 1, 2024, BC Ferries will be removing the 4% fuel surcharge from all fares.. BC Ferries says that increases affordability for customers.
“And in order to ensure its entire fleet of 37 ferries is ready to set sail this summer, BC Ferries is completing scheduled regular maintenance and refits earlier than ever before,” the transportation company said.
More staff:
Hiring is almost complete for nearly 600 new staff in a variety of roles. During the pandemic a lot of staff loss and replacement did not occur.
In particular, when there is not enough mechanical staff to do repairs, ships can be docked and schedules disrupted.
Other amenities:
BC Ferries provides this list of other services or improvements this summer:
- More Saver fares are available than ever before for customers booking on major routes at off-peak times, with 500,000+ fares starting at just $39 for a standard vehicle and driver.
- Saver fares are also available for foot passengers, commercial traffic and over-height vehicles.
- Customers travelling on minor routes can now view live webcams, vessel trackers and the latest Service Notices in one convenient location by visiting bcferries.com/current-conditions or the BC Ferries app.
- More inclusive (any gender) and accessible restroom facilities are now available at terminals and on board vessels.
- Fun summer entertainment and activities are planned at the busiest terminals.
- Improved pet areas for dogs and cats on several of the vessels.
===== RELATED:
Island Social Trends Community CALENDAR | VANCOUVER ISLAND | TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION