It’s not an April Fool’s prank: some fares on B.C Ferries (BCF) will increase as of the start of next month, according to a March 19 press release from the ferry corporation.
“On the major routes (including Route 3, Langdale-Horseshoe Bay), drive-up fares will increase by $0.90 for an adult and $7.60 for a standard vehicle. This pricing will only apply to the less than 25% of customers who don’t already use Prepaid (including Experience Card), Saver or Reservation-only fares to secure lower prices. Drive-up fares for minor routes will increase on average to approximately $0.25-0.50 for an adult passenger and $0.70 to $2 for a standard vehicle,” the release notes.
Rather than applying a flat 3.2 per cent increase to all fares, BC Ferries stated it is making targeted pricing adjustments that “optimize capacity, balance costs across routes, and provide more ways for customers to save. These changes are designed to encourage travel on sailings with more space available, helping to manage demand while keeping the system running efficiently."
More saver fare spaces; No-show fees to go up
Another adjustment that may see ferry-crossing costs escalate for travellers on Route 3 and other reservable routes is a change for Saver and prepaid fares. Effective April 1, no-show fees on those will increase by $5 to $10. The ability for customers to change their reserved sailing up to one hour before departure or cancel four or more days in advance for a $5 fee is being retained.
The statement also indicates that BCF will be making 30 per cent more Saver fare spaces available. Those include $15 pre-paid reservation spaces for foot passengers on Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island sailings. Reservations aren’t available to Route 3 walk-on travellers.
Full details on fare changes happening April 1 are available at www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/ferry-fares.
Some food and parking prices rising
When it comes to food and beverages on the ships, BCF is introducing a 3.5 per cent increase as of April. The release states this is “to reflect rising costs of ingredients, transportation, and operations” and it will be applied to specific, but not all menu items.
“Customers can expect minor increases, for example ranging from $0.10 on a muffin to $0.90 on a BC Burger Combo, ensuring that BC Ferries continues to offer high-quality, competitively priced food and beverage options,” the release detailed.
Parking rates will increase, the release stated, based on location and “aligned with market rates while ensuring continued investment in safe, accessible, and well-maintained facilities."
Experience cards
Updates are also coming for Experience Card users. The re-load minimum for passenger-only fares will be $50, as of April 1, and the standard vehicle and passenger minimum reload price will be $130.
Auto-reload will also be turned off as of April 1 and users will need to re-activate it with a new minimum. One can log into their Experience Card account at bcferries.com/routes-fares/ferry-fares/card-login.
