BC Ferries’ reservation system allows customers to secure a spot on a trip in advance, at some terminals at least. We’re still waiting for the option to be introduced at the Saltery Bay/Earls Cove route.
While this system has been welcomed by some passengers, it has also been met with criticism and frustration from others.
On the positive side, having a reservation provides a level of certainty and predictability to ferry travel, that is, as long as inclement weather or lack of crew availability doesn’t cancel sailings outright.
Being able to book a spot in advance and avoid sailing waits, especially on long weekends, is worth the extra cost for some travellers, even if the reservation fee is seen as a company cash grab by many.
The reservation system has not been without its challenges. Technical glitches have led to frustration for customers, the latest example being the double-bookings made for the upcoming May long weekend on the Langdale/Horseshoe Bay route, which the company is currently addressing.
Another criticism of the reservation system is that it has made ferry travel more expensive for some passengers. Paying the fee brings comfort in knowing a spot on the car deck is set aside, but how often is a reservation even necessary? Forking over those dollars causes even more frustration when a traveller arrives and sees that the sailing is only half full and they could have saved the extra expense. It comes down to the risk-reward ratio. Pay and be sure, or save and take a chance on a lengthy delay.
Convenience costs money, and residents in ferry-dependent communities keep paying. If only those contributions to the BC Ferries bottom line turned into something positive, for instance, having enough trained crew available to avoid sailing cancellations. We can only dream.
