WATCH: B.C.’s transportation minister Claire Trevena is promising relief for those travelling on B.C. Ferries. Mary Griffin has more.
Three key promises in the NDP campaign platform regarding B.C. Ferries is set to come into effect in the next few weeks.
The NDP platform specifies that fares on the major routes will be frozen, fares on minor routes will be rolled back 15 per cent and seniors will once again travel free during the week.
“We are absolutely committed to making sure that life is more affordable for people. And that includes dealing with ferry fares. They were out of control over the last 16 years when the liberal government just walked away from the island communities,” says Trevena.
Currently, the cost of a vehicle and passenger heading to Vancouver from Swartz Bay is $74.70.
On Thursday, drivers waiting to load on the ferry heading to the Southern Gulf Islands paid $41.90 for their vehicles, and another $13.45 for themselves, for a total of $55.35.
When the NDP roll fares on the minor routes back by 15 per cent, the trip would cost $47.05 in the future.
“We are absolutely committed to making sure that life is more affordable. And those promises are kept,” says Trevena.
Mary Griffin
