Service improvements and a revamping of the reservation system, topped the list of priorities requested by participants of a recent workshop hosted by BC Ferries.
The Southern Sunshine Coast Community Workshop, held June 17 at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, was poorly attended with fewer than 20 participants taking part of the 50 expected to attend.
At the event, frustrated attendees told BC Ferries representatives their priorities have remained the same for years with very little action to show as the result of numerous meetings and online surveys.
FAC Chair Diana Mumford attended the workshop and in response to the results, told the Coast Reporter she was extremely disappointed with the low turnout.
“I believe they had 50 that had said they were coming and there sure was not 50 in the room,” said Mumford. “And I know they had a waitlist of people so it would have been nice if those people could have had a chance to be there.”
Mumford added, even if all 50 had shown up, she didn’t think the message would have been any different.
“…They weren't there to make decisions. They were just there to hear people and I think they provided that,” said Mumford. “People did bring up their opinions, but I think the frustration is that everybody wants something done yesterday and BC Ferries can't do that. But it's been going on for so long that people are saying, well, when already? And our boat that we were supposed to get in 2024 was then pushed back until 2029. You know, is that going to get pushed again? So that is a concern as well.”
The results released by BC Ferries showed the service improvements discussed include enhanced on-time performance and improved service. Comments focused on the current off-season scheduling, which has gaps of up to three hours between ferries. Participants requested a review and adjustment of this schedule, alongside an extension of the peak season schedule to better accommodate demand.
Feedback on the reservation system highlighted the need for better travel certainty and the importance of communication and greater flexibility with reservation and walk-on cutoff times. Examples shared, included reservation holders should not have to show up 30 minutes prior to a scheduled sailing time when that sailing is running behind.
The results also showed availability of reservations is also crucial for residents who can’t always plan trips in very far advance, in particular for emergencies or medical appointments — many sailings are often sold out well in advance. Some participants also suggested removing reservations and many requested greater transparencies regarding reservation data.
Accessibility improvements were another top priority, including more accessible washrooms on vessels and at terminals, while participants requested more communication and noted the “Current Conditions” updates need to be more accurate. It was also suggested the overall communication and status updates need significant improvement and marketing should be dropped as a priority.
Mumford said despite a history of overloads, she is optimistic, not only because BC Ferries has hired more staff to deal with crew shortages, but also because this is an election year.
“I mean, you look at any of the candidates and there's definitely hot items and hot buttons and people use those,” said Mumford. “But, whether they have a plan in process that they think can be done, that would be a different matter.
"The fixing of the ferries is not just BC Ferries responsibility. It's definitely part of the government because it is part of the transportation system and so I think that has to be up front and centre. Why should those who are ferry dependent have less opportunity for travel than anywhere else in B.C., because you're covering a pretty big swatch of area over here.”
For anyone who couldn’t attend the workshop, an online survey is available at bcferriesprojects.ca/southern-sunshine-coast.
