What's happened on Route 6?
It hasn't been neglected, its been simply abandoned over the last 20 years. Route 4 to a lesser extent. Our Roadways are used as Ferry Parking Lots in Fulford, Vesuvius and Crofton preventing 2 way traffic. It's traffic gridlock once again when we turn the corner on Omicron. Between June and October last year traffic was up 19% on Route 6 from pre pandemic levels in 2019. Fulford - Route 4 saw a slight decrease. Everybody is pleased with the soon to arrive Salish Heron for Route 5 and the 2 New Island Class Eco Ferries for Route 19.
In 2003 a BCF Analyst predicted that Vesuvius to Crofton and Bowen Island should see New Vessels with the capacity of 110-118 vehicles (AEQ) by 2013. Here we are 19 yrs later with the MV Quinitsa - capacity 44 vehicles. Bowen Island is a little more promising at 100 vehicles with the Queen of Capilano. Any Crew who sail Route 6 know the issues and the Patrons - absolutely! The traffic congestion and sailing waits are patently unreasonable and about to rear their ugly heads once again this Spring and Summer.
Schedule for 2022;
1. Uplifting capacity on Route 5 by replacing The Cumberland (112) this Spring with the Salish Class (138). Increase in capacity 23%
2. Uplifting capacity on Route 5a Swartz Bay - Saturna Island (Population 350) by retiring (or spare) the Mayne Queen (58) and introducing the Cumberland (112). Increase in capacity 93%
Low Season Monthly Stats for total vehicle movements - November 2021 and High Season - August 2021
1. Route 4 - 25,574 / 33,112
2. Route 6 - 20,093 / 30,440
3. Route 5 & 5a combined 22,334 / 30,489
Capacity uplift vessel wise for May 2022
1. Route 4 - 92 Vehicles - Skeena
2. Route 6 - 63 Vehicles - Quinsam
3. Route 5 & 5a - 138 + 112 = 250 Vehicles - Heron & Cumberland
Salt Spring Population is somewhere between 10,600 and 11,500 for the Spring of 2022. Up from 8,000 in 1975 when a car park was carved out to accommodate approximately 45 cars at Vesuvius Bay. In October of 2021 BCF Media stated the MV Quinsam could adequately accommodate foreseen traffic until 2035 when its service life would be complete. Meanwhile the Analyst in 2003 predicted that the Vessel would end its service life in 2028 and MV Quinitsa in 2025. We are starting to think the Analyst in 2003 was pretty clever. If the Quinitsa & Quinsam were used on Route 6 it would provide an uplift of 107 vehicles every 2 hrs. Not quite 110 - 118 vehicles that was suggested 19 years ago but Patrons of this vital link to Mid Vancouver Island would be more than pleased with a similar service.
Another Update early this week! Petition is still open, keep them coming!