Most reservations for BC Ferries travellers hoping to get to Tsawwassen from Swartz Bay were sold out on Sunday, with only a few spots remaining for evening sailings returning to Victoria.
It left traffic along the Patricia Bay Highway at a standstill, as traffic controllers navigated drivers waiting in the vehicle backup.
As of late Sunday afternoon, BC Ferries says two sailings between Victoria and Vancouver are also at risk of cancellation due to “crew availability.”
#ServiceNotice #Tsawwassen #SwartzBay #SpiritofBritishColumbia Due to crew availability, the following sailings are at a potential risk of cancellation this evening:
7pm ex: Vancouver
9pm ex: VictoriaFull notice here: https://t.co/aqTbobw7iM ^vr
— BC Ferries | Reconnecting BC (@BCFerries) August 21, 2022
Each ferry reached maximum car capacity, with the percentage of deck space available for evening sailings currently trending below 35 per cent.
On Saturday, BC Ferries issued a notice to travellers to brace for heavy traffic at the Swartz Bay terminal. It also said the terminal’s paid parking had reached maximum capacity.
The traffic and booked-up reservations come amid a busy year for BC Ferries.
Last month, the corporation fired its CEO and said it was looking for “a fresh start with a people-centered culture.”
Although multiple sailing cancellations and delays have hit the company in recent months, revenues increased in its first quarter compared to Q1 of 2021.
BC Ferries says it’s been working extensively to fill positions amid staffing shortages, including offering a $10,000 signing bonus and bringing back previously laid-off unvaccinated workers.
READ ALSO: BC Ferries wants 150 unvaccinated workers back on the job
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Oli Herrera
