Editor:
Re: “New BC Ferries schedule called ‘big win’ for Coast,” Sept. 22.
Until there can be preferred loading for permanent, full-time residents of the Coast, there can be no “big wins” for those of us who choose to live on the Sunshine Coast.
A very good beginning would be to acknowledge that we must travel for hospital appointments, to see specialists we do not yet have here and at least provide preferred loading in those cases.
My husband picked me up from Lions Gate Hospital after surgery on Friday, Sept. 15. My discharge was unexpected so we could not make any arrangements for reservations, etc., and would never willingly travel on a Friday due to the overwhelming abundance of tourists that we have attracted to this area.
After waiting over two hours outside the terminal, we asked the ticket person if we could please have preferred loading because of my recent surgery and were flatly denied even though we were travelling on a TAP form and I willingly displayed my still attached hospital bracelet. Two sailings later we were finally on board and on our way home.
This is in no way a “big win” in my view. Granted it is great news for all our long-suffering commuters and I am very happy for them as they put in horrendously long days and I marvel at their stamina.
When we moved here, over 19 years ago, the ferries were not the issue they are now. Too much traffic and not nearly enough service.
Shame on you, BC Ferries, for holding us all to ransom, particularly when we are ill and need to be safely home. By the way, that trip took us over five hours, not at all pleasant, particularly when trying to recover from surgery.
Lynne Bayzand, Davis Bay
