Editor:
With a disappointing decision that appears to nix the addition of another vessel to the BC Ferries fleet, we are challenged to seek other ways the service could be improved. One such way would be to provide real-time information to customers.
My March 27 sail for the 10:55 p.m. voyage at Horseshoe Bay to Langdale was delayed for over an hour which one can understand does happen with the ageing fleet experiencing more than occasional mechanical problems. However, what is not acceptable is leaving people without any information –– or any means of getting information –– while we are waiting for the ferry on a rainy night not knowing if we will get home with no ferry personnel to be found. You would think that the BCF website supposedly providing updates of “current conditions” might give you that information. It was not to be. No updates. Just an older statement about previous sailings noting there is a delay. Nothing current on the website. No one is around to ask unless you trek back to the terminal booth (it was pouring rain). Even the map that BC Ferries provides online showed no trace of a ferry between Langdale and Horseshoe Bay as midnight came and passed. There’s no one to reach by phone because Customer Service is only available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
With these not infrequent breakdowns, especially when it is the middle of the night, can’t BC Ferries even provide one with some information as to whether or not you should turn around and look for a hotel or stay in the line gambling on maybe getting to your bed at home?
Someone creatively set up a Facebook page for our real-time SC highway conditions. I’m ready to collaborate with others to set up a similar page so we can connect since BC Ferries leaves us in the dark.
Juergen Dankwort
Sechelt
