Ferries in British Columbia are not just a convenience; for many residents, they are an indispensable part of daily life. They serve as a crucial connection between our mainland and the islands, enabling travel for work, education, healthcare, and family visits. With BC Ferries expanding the number of reservable spots, the expectation is clear: if you want a guaranteed spot, you’ll need to make a reservation. However, this has come at a cost, with passengers required to pay an additional $15 to $20 to secure a reservation.

Charging extra for reservations on what amounts to a public transportation system is unreasonable and unfair. For many residents, ferry travel is not a choice but a necessity, and these additional fees place an undue burden on regular commuters.

As the population on the islands and mainland continues to grow, the demand for ferry services increases. By charging extra for reservations, BC Ferries effectively penalizes those who rely on the service the most. The practice of charging reservation fees not only lacks consideration for the financial strain on regular users but also fails to align with the service expectations of a public transportation network.

Some ferry systems in the United States already handle reservations in a fairer way. For example, in Washington State, advance vehicle reservation deposits are defined by law as a deposit toward the fare and not an additional fee (Washington Administrative Code, WAC 468‑300‑020). This means passengers who reserve a spot do not pay extra just to plan ahead. Instead, the deposit counts toward the cost of their actual ticket, and only users who fail to show up are charged a no‑show fee. This system ensures that responsible travelers are not penalized, while still discouraging no-shows.

The idea of reservation fees made sense when reserving a spot was a luxury. However, as it becomes standard practice due to limited ferry availability, it should be a service that complements, not strains, the lives of BC residents. Eliminating these fees would allow for equitable access to necessary transportation and align with BC Ferries’ responsibility to serve all its customers fairly.

Therefore, we urge BC Ferries and relevant authorities to reconsider this policy. Review the current reservation fee structure and push towards abolishing these additional charges. Recognize the necessity of your service and ensure it remains accessible and fair to all passengers.

Sign this petition to request BC Ferries eliminate reservation fees, ensuring fair, accessible, and affordable ferry travel for everyone in our province.