Higher prices for passengers as BC Ferries drops fuel tariffs
Tariffs are being removed on June 27
Taking the ferry in B.C. is about to get more expensive as fuel prices continue to rise.
On Tuesday, BC Ferries announced it's removing fuel tariffs as of June 27.
The rebate and surcharge mechanism is currently used to manage the unpredictable rise and fall of fuel prices, but BC Ferries said it doesn't make money that way.
Corporation president Mark Collins said the company has had surcharges, rebates and periods with neither over the last 14 years.
When the tariffs are gone, the added costs will vary depending on the trip — but on major routes, passengers will be charged an extra 50 cents and it will be $1.70 more for a vehicle.
Province 'disappointed' by move
The removal comes two months after the province announced $59 million in new funding as part of its fare reduction strategy.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena wrote a letter to the corporation saying she was disappointed to have heard about BC Ferries rebate plans in May.
On Tuesday, she reiterated her frustration.
"[The province] recently entered discussions with the company with hopes of a solution. However, an agreement could not be reached," Trevena said.
"People along the coast deserve to be able to travel affordably," she added.
The minister said the province is conducting an operational review of BC Ferries to "ensure the service works" for people in B.C.
Collins said the company knows affordability is important to passengers and that it uses fuel deferral accounts and hedging to help reduce the impact on fluctuating fuel prices.
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With files from CBC News