Ferry fare increase
Today, Wednesday, April 1, BC Ferries has raised its prices for minor and major routes by 2.9 per cent.
Originally touted as a 3.9 per cent increase, the Crown corporation has merged a 1 per cent fuel surcharge/rebate to reduce the affect on most travellers. The increase is the last of a three-year tariff increase in accordance with the BC Ferry Commissioner’s order of September 2012.
Last week, the commissioner announced a proposed price cap fare increase of 1.9 per cent for the next four years from April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2020.
“We know that fare affordability is an issue for our customers and because we’ve hedged a considerable amount of our diesel fuel costs over the next fiscal year, we are pleased to be in a position to introduce a fuel rebate which will help lessen the impact of the tariff increase,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ president and CEO. “While we actively manage the business and reduce expenditures wherever possible, the fare increases are directly associated with increased operating costs and capital replacement.”
Readers can find more information about fares and schedules online.
Flu policy lifts
Dr. Perry Kendall, provincial health officer, has lifted the influenza protection policy.
Health-care workers and visitors to medical facilities no longer need to wear face masks if not vaccinated against the flu.
He reported an increase in the number of staff who were vaccinated, “ensuring that our vulnerable patients and seniors were protected as much as possible.”
