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

    Fallen Hero Steve Fonyo Says He's Focused On Rebuilding Troubled Life

    The once-celebrated runner is back in the spotlight with a documentary about his troubled life at the Toronto International Film Festival.

    Fallen Hero Steve Fonyo Says He's Focused On Rebuilding Troubled Life

    Quebec National Assembly Returns After Summer Break

    Quebec National Assembly Returns After Summer Break
    Premier Philippe Couillard's governing Liberals and the Opposition Parti Quebecois have promised less political partisanship during the daily question period.  

    Quebec National Assembly Returns After Summer Break

    Alberta Mom Denied Marijuana Prescription For Daughter Turns To Ontario Clinic

    Alberta Mom Denied Marijuana Prescription For Daughter Turns To Ontario Clinic
    An Alberta mother whose daughter has severe epilepsy has travelled to Ontario for a medical marijuana prescription after the girl's doctor said he was no longer allowed to provide permission to purchase the product.

    Alberta Mom Denied Marijuana Prescription For Daughter Turns To Ontario Clinic

    Federal Government Appealing Federal Court Decision On Niqabs, Citizenship

    Federal Government Appealing Federal Court Decision On Niqabs, Citizenship
    OTTAWA — A hearing is underway at the Federal Court of Appeal in Ottawa over whether a Muslim woman must remove her face covering to take the oath of citizenship.

    Federal Government Appealing Federal Court Decision On Niqabs, Citizenship

    Syrian Refugee Applicant Dreams Of Unified Family In Halifax After Years Apart

    Syrian Refugee Applicant Dreams Of Unified Family In Halifax After Years Apart
    Youssef Aasar says he dreams of his family being reunited one day around the small dining table in his Halifax apartment, coming together after their flight from violence and corruption in Syria.

    Syrian Refugee Applicant Dreams Of Unified Family In Halifax After Years Apart

    'Not This Time' Toronto Won't Bid For 2024 Summer Olympics

    'Not This Time' Toronto Won't Bid For 2024 Summer Olympics
    Toronto will be a great venue for the Olympics one day but not this time, Mayor John Tory said Tuesday as he announced the city will not be bidding to host the 2024 Summer Games.

    'Not This Time' Toronto Won't Bid For 2024 Summer Olympics