With the province in the midst of Phase 3 of its COVID-19 Restart Plan and another long weekend fast approaching, BC Ferries is anticipating heavier traffic volume.
In preparation for increased ridership amid the ongoing pandemic, BC Ferries has issued several reminders to customers who plan on using the company’s services over the next several days.
First, BC Ferries is warning all customers of heightened traffic and are recommending to book in advance in order to guarantee your sailing.
In particular, the ferry organization is highlighting the Horsehoe Bay – Langdale and Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay routes as being particularly busy and that riders without bookings should expect multiple sailing waits.
For those routes, BC Ferries points to times late in the evening or early in the morning as travel times with the lowest ridership.
BC Ferries also says that Thursday and Friday afternoon, along with Saturday morning, are the most popular times on their major routes.
Due to Transport Canada COVID-19 screening protocols being in effect, BC Ferries is advising to arrive an hour before your sailing as it takes a little longer at check-in.
The hour buffer before the scheduled sailing time is being recommended for foot passengers as well because BC Ferries is anticipating reaching passenger capacity throughout the long weekend.
Masks are still required by the ferry service for all travellers over the age of two. BC Ferries is asking for customers to bring one a non-medical face covering and wear it in terminals and onboard when outside of a vehicle. If you are driving on, BC Ferries is asking travellers to remain in their vehicles where possible.
Anyone opting to order from the limited food services available on major routes is being asked to either take their food to the outer decks or back to their vehicles as cafeteria space and seating is limited.
BC Ferries is currently calling on guests to follow the safety guidelines outlined by Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix, including physical distancing when possible and maintaining proper hygiene like hand-washing.
“BC Ferries does not tolerate any abuse, including verbal abuse, towards its employees. A customer who abuses an employee will be denied service. The company takes this issue very seriously and reminds customers to continue to heed Dr. Bonnie Henry’s advice to be kind, be calm and be safe,” reads a statement from the organization.
For full schedule information for the upcoming long weekend, current conditions and reservations, you can visit the company’s website. For the most up-to-date travel information, follow @BCFerries on Twitter.
Graham Cox
