With one vessel removed from service and several scheduled sailings cancelled, BC Ferries travellers were once again faced with long waits on the company’s busiest route Wednesday.
As early as 6:30 a.m., drivers without reservations found out they’d have to wait until at least the 11 a.m. ferry to be able to travel from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.
As of 9:45 a.m., the 11 a.m. and noon ferries were completely booked up, with minimal space available on the 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ferries.
Things weren’t much better on the other side of Strait of Georgia, with the 11 a.m. ferry fully booked and the 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. sailings having under 25 per cent capacity left.
Making things worse is several sailing cancellations caused by the Spirit of Vancouver Island being out of service as it undergoes engine maintenance to be able to use LNG fuel.
It means the 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. ferries to Swartz Bay are cancelled, as well as the 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. ferries to Tsawwassen.
Drivers are urged to check current conditions on BC Ferries website to plan ahead.
It’s been a challenging week for BC Ferries after it cancelled four sailings Monday between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay due to not having enough crew members to comply with Transport Canada regulations.
Last month, BC Ferries said it has hired around 500 new workers in a push to cover service shortfalls that have been impacting sailings.
CHEK News
