Fellow Patrons,
Finally some talk about Ferries...
It's been rough over the last 2 Summers for BC Ferries. However, it's been a rough ride for a lot in the Transportation Industry - Airlines, Train & Bus Travel.
I think when we look back to December 2021, things are starting to evolve. BCF Management can't dance with a ghost, they need to hear your constructive feedback and yes they need to hear what they are doing right from you - the Patrons.
The positives since December 2021 - Petition (still active - The Fix for Route 6). BC Ferries held their Board of Directors Meeting on Salt Spring for the 1st time at the Harbour House for 2 1/2 days in June of 2022 and invited guests close to the Ferries Issues for a meet and greet. Our small Group is convinced that was the turning point for the Two Ferry service and the long overdue New Terminals at both Crofton and Vesuvius Bay. The respect for our Community came when a number of the Directors went for a passage to Crofton and back to Vesuvius Bay on the MV Quinsam, inspecting the service and facilities.
Little improvements are monumental to Patrons who travel Routes 6,4 & 9 on a regular basis.
Route 6 - Crofton - New dedicated Porta Potti at the Toll Booth and now a New One at the Foot Passenger waiting area. Placed for the workers doing repairs to the Trestle but hopefully it stays for Patrons when the crews are gone. The painted road "NO PARKING" markings on Chaplin St now allow Crofton Residents to access their driveways unimpeded by Ferry Traffic, preventing altercations. Still waiting for the Camera facing up Chaplin St to the turn onto Crofton Rd. Space Available and Vessel Tracking on the BC Ferries APP, would be very helpful. The age olde problem of sequencing the Dangerous Goods Sailings to a more convenient time, can be accomplished in our opinion.
Route 4 - Fulford Hrb - Swartz Bay if you like the new schedule over the last 3 months - please say so. The added daily sailing I think is quite beneficial year round, the evening sailing, perhaps not so much.
Route 9 the Summer Non Stops from Long Harbour are fantastic and appreciated.
When the BC Ferries Team comes on October 3rd and again on October 20, this is great opportunity to speak and engage about our Service/Infrastructure and perhaps compliment BC Ferries on what they are getting right!
Patrons of Routes 6,4,9 - Cheers!