B.C. Ferries is adding more than 180 sailings to its regular schedule for the Easter long weekend as it anticipates moving 400,000 travellers.
An extra 128 sailings are available between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, 42 between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay and 16 between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale.
The ferry service has been plagued by sailing cancellations due to staff shortages, but says it has a plan to avoid last-minute cancellations — chief officers on educational leave have volunteered to be on standby for the busy holiday weekend, and many employees are accepting overtime.
B.C. Ferries said fewer than 1.2 per cent of sailings have been cancelled during the past month.
“There’s no doubt, we’re still critically short of licensed officers and we have more work to do as we head into the summer, but we’ve pulled out all the stops to protect each and every Easter sailing,” said Dean Dobrinsky, B.C. Ferries interim vice-president of people and culture.
Vehicle customers are advised to book in advance and to arrive at least 45 minutes early. Walk-on passengers are also advised to arrive 45 minutes ahead of their sailing.
Passengers are being warned to expect sailing waits at peak times, and advised to travel during off-peak times if possible.
B.C. Ferries suggests carpooling or taking transit to ferry terminals, as vehicle deck space fills up quickly.
In the event of a ferry cancellation, bookings will be accommodated on the next available sailing with space, the ferry service says. Customers may be eligible for a refund if they choose to cancel a booking on a cancelled sailing.
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