by Kyle Wells reporter@prpeak.com Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee Chair Bill Cripps is reminding Powell River area residents they have until December 5 to submit suggestions and comments to BC Ferry Commissioner Gordon Macatee.
Macatee came to Powell River in September as part of a tour of coastal communities to hear from ferry users their opinion on what changes, if any, should be made to the Coastal Ferry Act. This desire for input is part of the commission’s legislated review of the act that seeks to better balance the interest of users with the financial viability of BC Ferries.
Cripps said the communities’ opinions on ferries have been loud and heard, but there is still a chance for more.
“The rally was an outstanding success and community participation during...Macatee’s visit to our region was second to none for coastal communities,” said Cripps.
The decision for a review of the act came after the commissioner released a preliminary price cap of 8.23 per cent on minor routes per year for four years. To make the review possible the government set the fare increase at 4.15 per cent for the first fiscal year, starting April 12, 2012. The price cap beyond that will be determined in part by any changes made as a result of the commissioner’s review.
Cripps said that fares are primarily controlled by the provincial subsidy and profits from riders. With passenger ridership at a 20-year low and vehicle traffic at an 11-year low, according to BC Ferries’ second quarter results September 30, 2011, the pressure is on for the company to find a way to stay afloat without hiking up fares to compensate.
A Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs committee has been formed to lobby the commissioner and government. The committee is advocating for an increased subsidy from the government to support a major rollback on fares. More information on the committee’s submission to the commissioner can be found online.
Cripps said if residents agree with the content of the submission and the recommended rollback of fares, the local ferry advisory committee suggests they may want to endorse it as a personal or business submission to the commissioner.
Powell River area residents can email the commission at ferrycommissioner@shaw.ca or info@bcferrycommission.com.
