Terry Ward
Updated on: October 14, 2024 11:53 pm GMT
As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Thanksgiving approach, B.C. Ferries is sending an urgent message to travelers: book your reservations now. With one of its main vessels out of service due to significant repairs, passengers are being encouraged to prepare in advance to avoid potential travel disruptions.
Travel Challenges Ahead
B.C. Ferries is facing a challenging situation. The Queen of New Westminster, a vital ferry operating between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, is out of commission until spring. This leaves a gap in their service, which is particularly concerning with two busy long weekends just around the corner. According to Mel Lucia, vice-president of customer experience at B.C. Ferries, “We’re adding capacity where possible, but having one of our major route vessels out of service and no resiliency in our fleet presents a challenge.”
This year, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on Monday, October 2, followed by Thanksgiving on October 14. These long weekends typically see a surge in ferry traffic, which could lead to overcrowding on the remaining vessels.
Booking Recommendations
To mitigate potential issues, passengers are urged to follow these tips:
- Book Early: Make your reservations as soon as possible to secure your spot.
- Travel Off-Peak: If your schedule allows, consider traveling during non-peak times.
- Walk-On Options: For those who can, opting to walk on may help you avoid long waits.
B.C. Ferries also advises that customers arriving at terminals without reservations should check the company’s website for real-time conditions. Peak periods may lead to long waits or being turned away entirely, especially for foot passengers who may face limited availability during busy times.
Special Offers and Additional Sailings
B.C. Ferries is taking steps to ease the pressure during these busy weekends. The company is implementing discounted saver fares at off-peak times for travelers with vehicles and is also extending savings for foot passengers on selected sailings. Extra sailings, including early morning and late-night trips, have been added to accommodate the increased demand.
However, B.C. Ferries has issued a warning: the capacity for foot passengers might reach its limit during peak hours. “Passengers should arrive early to improve their chances of boarding,” a statement from the company noted.
Planning Your Trip
Transportation options during these busy times are essential. Parking lots at the terminals can fill quickly, so travelers, especially foot passengers, are encouraged to consider alternatives:
- Public Transit: Utilize local transit systems to access terminals.
- B.C. Ferries Connector Bus: This bus service is a reliable option for getting to the ferries.
- Drop-offs: Arrange for someone to drop you off at the terminal to bypass parking concerns.
Impact of Vessel Repairs
The temporary loss of the Queen of New Westminster not only affects immediate travel plans but also highlights the need for upgrades within the fleet. The vessel, over 60 years old, recently faced a critical incident where a propeller fell off and sank; it has been recovered but requires extensive repairs.
This situation has affected over 6,500 bookings going through to December, as many customers sought alternative travel plans once the Queen of New Westminster was determined to be unavailable. As a result, B.C. Ferries is using this instance to advocate for acquiring seven new major vessels, emphasizing that such improvements are crucial to maintain reliable service.
“This is an example of just how critical it is that we move ahead with seeking approval from the Ferry Commissioner to add a net new ship to our major routes and meet the needs and expectations of our customers for reliability and flexibility across the system,” Lucia stated.
With the holidays approaching and increased travel expected, passengers should stay informed about the latest developments and plan accordingly for a smooth experience with B.C. Ferries.
Get ready for the long weekends ahead! Remember that there might not be as many ferries running, which could make travel a bit tricky. If you plan ahead and stay flexible with your travel times, you can avoid some of the problems and enjoy your holidays even more.
