B.C. Ferries reviewing service levels as passenger numbers plummet due to COVID-19 pandemic

B.C. Ferries reviewing service levels as passenger numbers plummet due to COVID-19 pandemic
CHEK

B.C. Ferries is looking at potentially reducing service as traffic numbers have plummeted amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Deborah Marshall, B.C. Ferries executive director of public affairs, told CHEK News that all traffic has dropped by as much as 80 per cent since the pandemic began. She said that has caused the B.C. Ferries to consider its options and potentially reduce service.

“We are looking at it right now,” Marshall said. “We are chatting with the province and when we are ready to make an announcement we will do so.”

Marshall didn’t provide any further details or information about what a reduction in service would look like or whether it would result in layoffs of its employees.

B.C. Ferries has recently discouraged people from travelling onboard their vessels unless it is essential. They have also allowed people to remain in their vehicles in order to limit physical interactions.

Marshall said while they’re discouraging people from non-essential travel, it is not something that they are actively enforcing.

“We have not yet been asked to enforce any mandatory orders at this point. We are asking customers to only travel if necessary,” Marshall said. “At this point, we have not been directed by the province to enforce any such regulations.”

Marshall also said with traffic levels so low, there is plenty of room on the ship for walk-on passengers to sit further away.

“All traffic is down significantly,” she said. “It’s down in the range of about 70 to 80 per cent. So there is lots of room to practice social and physical distancing.”

Nicholas PescodNicholas Pescod

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