Tag Archives: BC Ferries

Ferry rate hike in time for Long Weekend

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Just in time for the upcoming Victoria Day long weekend the ferry rates have jumped in price.  For a car and driver going to the mainland the rates have gone up $2.00 since December, 2010.  Since 2008 the rates have risen $6.75 for a one way trip for car and driver to Vancouver.  

If you want to avoid the busiest times at the terminals here they are Thursday and Friday afternoon and Monday afternoon. To have a look at the activity at the ferry terminals check out these webcams.

dp seal trans 16x16 Ferry rate hike in time for Long WeekendCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2011

Public Input Wanted on Island Transportation

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How will Islanders get around in the future?  Cheap gas will not last forever!

The E&N Railway needs $15 million in order to repair hundreds of rail ties between Victoria and Courtenay. Until the repairs can be made, the trains are at a standstill.  The Island Corridor Foundation needs your help to let the government know that rail is important to Vancouver Island.  Their goal is that one day, someone can commute to work by train from Nanaimo to Victoria.

Another transportation issue is the ferries.  The recent ferry rate hike April 1st, was just the beginning.  There will be more rate hikes each and every year until 2015.  BC Ferries set up various “Ferry Advisory Committees” in select coastal areas in order to say that they have consulted with the public.  Do you feel consulted?  A Gabriolan resident has set up a petition.  If you are interested in voicing your opinion, follow the link or contact Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Transportation at Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca.

BC Ferries Fares Discounted

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Starting this week the cost of taking the ferry to the mainland will cost less!  The fares have been reduced by approximately 2% across the board; 25 cents less for adult passengers and up to a $1.00 less for vehicles.

The sad news is that BC Ferries is having four vessels built offshore.  It would have been nice to have more local jobs at this point in time.

Long weekend and Ferries

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Are you planning to head off the island this long weekend?  You will be interested to know that the following are historically busy times for the ferries at Departure Bay:

Thursday and Friday September 2 & 3rd from  1pm to 6pm. / Monday, September 6th from 3pm to 4pm. / Tuesday, September 7th from 8:30am to 3pm.

Happy Planning!

BC Ferries special mid week discount

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Are you planning to travel to the mainland?  You can save money by traveling  mid week,  Tuesday, Wednesdays & Thursdays from May 25 to July 29.  (excluding June 29-July 1),

How much can you save? $21.25 (based on one driver and under 20ft vehicle)  The full price is $60.75, whereas the mid week special is $39.95  – this is not including any taxes.

This discount applies to trips between Vancouver and Victoria, or Vancouver and Nanaimo, Tuesday through Thursday.  For more information on Mid Week CoastSaver fares visit BC Ferries