B.C. Ferries Fares Rise April 1 '09

B.C. Ferry Costs More April 1/09

VICTORIA – BC Ferries is reminding customers of adjustments to passenger and vehicle fares effective April 1, 2009.

Price caps will increase by 3.74 per cent on the three major routes connecting Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland and 7.25 per cent on the remaining routes in accordance with the price cap provisions set by the BC Ferry Commissioner in September 2007.

In December 2008, BC Ferries eliminated all fuel surcharges and, in mid February 2009, fuel rebates were implemented on all minor routes. As of February 12, 2009, customers travelling on all of the minor routes now receive a fuel rebate of 5 per cent on average. Customers travelling on the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale route now receive a fuel rebate of 2 per cent on average. These rebates will significantly offset the forthcoming tariff increases.

Fare increases are necessary due to the rising cost of operating and capital expenditures.

The Departure Bay to Horsehoe Bay and the Duke Point to Tsawwassen rates will increase from $13.00 to $13.50 for passengers and $43.00 to $45.00 for regular height vehicles. The return fare to Gabriola goes from $7.90 to $8.60 for passengers and from $18.55 to $20.50 for vehicles.