Fares on all BC Ferries’ routes will increase on April 1 including those servicing Powell River.
Minor routes will see an average increase of 6.7 per cent due to price provisions set by the BC Ferries Commissioner for the current service contract which began in 2007. On the Powell River-to-Comox run the price for an adult will go up 6.9 per cent from $12.25 to $13.10. The price of taking a vehicle will go up 6.7 per cent from $38.85 to $41.45.
The price of a foot passenger on the Saltery Bay to Earl’s Cove route will go up 6.9 per cent from $12.30 to $13.15 and the price of a vehicle will rise 6.6 per cent from $41.30 to $44.05. Travelling to Texada Island from Westview will go up 6.7 per cent for passengers, from $8.90 to $9.50, and 6.6 per cent for vehicles, from $21.20 to $22.60.
According to BC Ferries the increase in fares is two per cent lower than planned due to a duty remission granted by the federal government in October on four vessels built offshore. The remission, equalling $119.4 million, allowed BC Ferries to also reduce prices at that time.
Fares for routes servicing Powell River have increased between 64 to 87 per cent, depending on the route, since 2003. BC Ferries CEO David Hahn predicted last November that fares will increase between 12 and 14 per cent per year for the next four years under the new service contract beginning in 2012.
Comparison of ferry rates before and after hike for driver and vehicle (non-Experience Card rate).
At current rate At rate as of Apr 1/2011
Westview to Comox return $102.20 $109.10
Westview to Texada Island return $30.10 $32.10
Powell River to Vancouver return $108.55 $115.85
