Ferry news - capacity reduction for winter
I got a phone call this afternoon from Harry Johnston (Harry from the Ferry, no relation that we know about) who told me that as of Monday, November 1 the ferry would be running with only two crew members, and a capacity of 48 passengers. Fare for adults will be $8.75.
Harry told me that there have been overloads on the Thursday 8am ferries recently, though the people who are the overload don't come until after quarter to eight. The crew will be at the ferry early on Thursday morning, with boarding passes ready, probably by 7:20 or 7:30. If you need to go over on Thursdays at 8, be there early.
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Ferry Committee newsletter October 27
This is the text of a mailer sent out on Lasqueti on Wednesday, October 27.
Lasqueti Ferry Committee Newsletter
Proposed Ferry Fare Increase
As you are no doubt aware, Western Pacific Marine had two additional expenses added to its service to lasqueti - the federal government added the third crew person and the provincial government added the HST. Since June WPM has paid these expenses without charge to us. Its contract with BC Ferries allows it to renegotiate fare increases, but must be done by November 1st. This WPM did and ogt a firm NO from BCF to any increase in the subsidy but approval of a new fare increase. On October 6 this information was passed to the committee by phone and email by WPM president Graham Clarke.
An example of the fare increase is: Adult - Regular - $9.50 - Summer - $10.50
The committee members were phoned and emailed and the suggestion came up to use the 5 winter months, January, February, March, November and December wot ;ess tjam 50 passengers to eliminate the need and cost of the third mate. A study of the passenger use from 2003 to 2010 showed that these runs rarely had over 50 passengers and none occurred on the last sailing of the day. The committee presented this proposal to WPM on October 8.
If we interpret the first response from WPM on this proposal the rates would drop to: Adult - Regular $8.75 - Summer $9.75 WPM has now to take this proposal to BCF for approval.
We receive a subsidy for foot passenger ferry only. Freight can be carried if room permits. Freight rates will increase also. The committee revised the rate schedule changing most ot a per cu. ft. price of $1.25. The only negative feedback the committee has received recently has been about freight - basically there is too much carried and the passengers suffer. Not enough room on the deck for those who prefer to ride outside. Sometimes not enough room for their personal goods. Suggestions were given to improve the situation, i.e. if room available on the shelves, unload your carts and tote to the shelves to make more deck room, and restrictions will be put on un-attended freight allowing this when room is available, like Monday and Thursday mornings in the summer. We still urge the community to inform the public when you or your event is expecting an extra load on the ferry - at least 2 weeks ahead of the event. People then have a chance to change their plans and avoid an overload.
Further information on the rate increase will be bgiven to you as the committee receives it.
Lasqueti Ferry Committee
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