In a recent editorial, we questioned B.C. Ferries and, more specifically, the provincial government and their apathy towards implementing recommendations to improve the ferry service contained in the comptroller's report from late last year.
That editorial brought about an on-line comment on our website from a reader who questioned the effectiveness of the Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC).
The reader stated, "Those who truly represent the ferry users and stand up to the B.C. Ferries increases or policies are in jeopardy of losing their positions. These representatives are appointed, not elected. If we need true unbiased representation, should we not elect these representatives? Or should we create a new interface group totally unattached from other political organizations?"
The reader made some good points, but we think the FAC is doing more than a fine job representing everyone's interests. Want proof? Look no further than our front-page story in today's edition to see how effective our FAC can be.
After years of consultation and lobbying, summer commuters finally have what they want - an early evening sailing at 5:50 p.m. that will allow commuters to spend more time with their families instead of travelling back from the mainland at a later hour.
The new sailing will be implemented this summer on a trial basis, and it won't cost us a penny, as B.C. Ferries is picking up the tab.
And that's not all the good news this week. Residents on Gambier and Keats islands will soon get a new float in Langdale, thanks to a partnership between the Ferries Corporation and Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD). The proposed new dock will run parallel to the current float and the corporation will likely cover most of the costs. This, too, has come as a result of lobbying by the FAC, among others.
Over the years, we've been more than a little critical of B.C. Ferries and their treatment of residents of this ferry-dependent community. Let's face it, the ferry service has had its fair share of challenges, and it hasn't always been smooth sailing. But when you take at look at what the FAC, the SCRD and the corporation have been able to accomplish with the summer sailing and the Langdale float, you have to give credit to all involved.
These two initiatives for the betterment of us all show that the FAC indeed does work, that lobbying by citizens and local governments does work and that B.C. Ferries is listening to concerns and trying to make the service better. They may not be perfect, but they're trying, and that's all anyone can ask.
