From the goods that stock our shelves and the visitors who sustain our tourism industry to the workers who keep our communities running, British Columbia depends on BC Ferries as a critical transportation link. Without reliable ferry service, our economy and quality of life suffer.
Today, we are at a crossroads. With a growing population, an aging fleet and increasing demand, the decisions made now will determine whether BC Ferries can provide the level of service that businesses, communities, and residents need. That’s why we, representing 17 industry-leading organizations in BC’s trade, tourism, and transportation sectors, are calling for an investment today in building five new major vessels that will protect our future.
BC Ferries transports tens of millions of passengers and vehicles each year. They are already struggling to meet rising demand because they’re running a system with the same capacity it had 30 years ago, and mechanical issues are becoming all too frequent as the largest vessels are being used beyond their intended lifespan. The British Columbia Trucking Association estimates that ferry cancellations, breakdowns, and delays already cost the commercial transport sector upwards of $100 million per year—costs that ultimately get passed on to consumers. If these issues worsen, it’s the people and businesses of our province that will bear the brunt.
View Full Article Here