Ferry Service Expansion Act
Category: Transportation — Transportation
Summary
Increase ferry sailings, modernize fleet, and cap fare increases below inflation.
What this proposal changes
- Legislates a BC Ferries fare cap limiting annual fare increases to 75% of the BC CPI, replacing the current regulatory formula.
- Funds BC Ferries fleet modernisation with $1.5 billion in provincial capital support over 10 years to replace aging vessels with hybrid-electric ferries.
- Requires BC Ferries to add a minimum of two additional daily sailings on the three highest-demand routes by 2027.
- Creates a Remote Community Ferry Service Guarantee ensuring service levels on small routes cannot be reduced without a full public consultation process.
Arguments for
- Ferry service functions as essential road infrastructure for coastal and island communities; fare increases that exceed inflation are effectively a tax on geographic isolation.
- Hybrid-electric fleet modernisation reduces ferry emissions and can be powered by BC Hydro's clean electricity, supporting provincial climate goals.
- Additional sailings on peak routes directly reduce the wait times that make ferry travel unreliable for work commuters.
Arguments against
- Fare caps constrain BC Ferries revenue; without offsetting provincial subsidy, service quality and capital investment may deteriorate.
- Fleet modernisation capital support of $1.5 billion is significant given BC Ferries' existing debt load.
- Remote Community Service Guarantee may entrench uneconomic routes that could be better served by alternative community transportation.
Cost & implementation
Fleet modernisation subsidy: $1.5 billion over 10 years. Fare cap revenue impact: $50–150 million annually (offset by provincial subsidy). Additional sailings operating cost: $30–60 million annually.
Jurisdiction & legal authority
BC Ferries is a regulated private company operating under a Coastal Ferry Services Contract with the Province of BC. Service and fare regulation is provincial under the Coastal Ferry Act.
How to vote
Visit cascadia.vote/questions/pnwc-A27 to cast your vote: Yes, No, or Maybe.
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