BC Ferries annual fare hikes could be capped at 1.9%
Independent commissioner Gord Macatee says lower fuel prices and internal saving are behind the cap
B.C. Ferry Commissioner Gordon Macatee proposed limiting annual fare increases for BC Ferries to 1.9 per cent a year, for the next four years starting in 2016.
Macatee says lower fuel prices and internal savings by the ferry corporation helped him set the cap.
However there will be no reduction in the 3.9 per cent fare increase which will take effect April 1.
BC Ferries has been under fire in recent years for raising fares as it attempts to keep costs under control, but Macatee says the corporation has its budget under control.
“BC Ferries has cut costs, exceeded its efficiency targets and moved forward with key innovations, while ferry users accepted service level adjustments and supported new ways of doing business," said Macatee.
"Collectively, these measures took pressure off fares and made it possible to set price caps below the long-term rate of inflation for the next performance term.”
The public is invited to comment on the proposal until June 30 and a final decision will be made in September.
The B.C. Ferry Commission is an independent office that regulates the fares charged by BC Ferries Corporation.
With files from Lisa Cordasco