Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

BC Ferries Fares To Rise Again In April And For Next Four Years: Commissioner

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Sep, 2015 04:45 PM
    VICTORIA — Coastal travellers will see stable but rising fares when sailing aboard BC Ferries over the next four years.
     
    Ferries commissioner Gord Macatee confirmed Wednesday that price increases will be capped at 1.9 per cent per year from 2016 to 2020, as proposed earlier this year.
     
    Macatee outlined his decision for the hike in a report after conducting an independent review of the newest Coastal Ferry Services contract.
     
    He determined that answering public demands for a rollback in fares was outside of his authority.
     
    "The commissioner notes that a great deal of work has gone into addressing fare affordability over the past four years," a news release said.
     
    Such efforts have resulted in caps below the Bank of Canada's target inflation rate of two per cent, it said.
     
    Lowering fares was "incompatible" with BC Ferries' mandate to balance its interests as well as those of ferry users and taxpayers, the release said.
     
    The provincial government said the fare increases, beginning next April 1, will be the lowest since 2003.
     
    Transportation Minister Todd Stone described the decision as good news for ferry users.
     
    But he added BC Ferries must keep progressing toward achieving the government's vision of lower fares.
     
    "There is more work for BC Ferries to do over the next four years to further reduce pressure on fares to ensure our coastal ferry service operates as efficiently and affordably as possible, well into the future," Todd said in a release.
     
    In June, BC Ferries announced a $30-million jump in net earnings, and its president Mike Corrigan said that would allow fares to stay at or below projected inflation rates.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Wildfire Costs, Dropping Revenues, Challenge B.C.'s Budget Surplus: Mike De Jong

    Finance Minister Mike de Jong predicts wildfire suppression costs will reach about $380-million, once everything is added up.

    Wildfire Costs, Dropping Revenues, Challenge B.C.'s Budget Surplus: Mike De Jong

    Amber Alert System Becoming More Effective Due To Modern Technology

    Amber Alert System Becoming More Effective Due To Modern Technology
    Experts say modern technology has made Canada's already efficient Amber Alert system even more effective in recent years.

    Amber Alert System Becoming More Effective Due To Modern Technology

    Open-Burning Bans Lifted, Eased In Two More Fire Centres In Southern B.C.

    Open-Burning Bans Lifted, Eased In Two More Fire Centres In Southern B.C.
    The BC Wildfire Service says its ban in the Coastal Fire Centre ended at noon Monday.

    Open-Burning Bans Lifted, Eased In Two More Fire Centres In Southern B.C.

    B.C. Judge Hands Former NHL Player Rudy Poeschek Jail Time, Fine For Assault, Driving Charges

    A former NHL tough guy has been handed a conditional sentence, 45 days in jail and a $1,500 fine for separate assault and driving offences.

    B.C. Judge Hands Former NHL Player Rudy Poeschek Jail Time, Fine For Assault, Driving Charges

    Tima Kurdi Travels To Brussels To Call For More Help For Syrian Refugees

    The aunt of the Syrian refugee child whose body washed up on a Turkish beach is appealing for more help for Syrian refugees.

    Tima Kurdi Travels To Brussels To Call For More Help For Syrian Refugees

    New Trial For Ontario Lacrosse Player Convicted Of Second Degree Murder

    New Trial For Ontario Lacrosse Player Convicted Of Second Degree Murder
    Tashina General went missing in late January 2008. Her disappearance sparked an investigation on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border, with aerial searches and sweeps with dogs.

    New Trial For Ontario Lacrosse Player Convicted Of Second Degree Murder