6078 replies to this topic

[aastra]

Batteries were killing the environment until we decided batteries could save the environment.

[aastra]

Let's all do our best to look shocked and surprised ~15 years from now when they say batteries are killing the environment again.

[Nparker]

Since batteries are such a boon to mankind these days, I now toss all of my used AA's and AAA's into the compost bin.

[Victoria Watcher]

Smooth sailing at BC Ferries over the Labour Day long weekend has shocked a number of passengers travelling between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

Many lanes were empty at the Swartz Bay terminal Monday afternoon, and some vehicles arriving last minute for the noon sailing were seen driving straight onto the vessel.

 

Footage sent to CHEK News by a viewer on the 11 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay showed empty space on one of the vehicle decks.

Some travellers told CHEK News it was shocking to see, especially on the long weekend.

 

 

https://www.cheknews...eekend-1167390/

[Matt R.]

Yup, downright civil this weekend, aside from the lady getting trapped in the storm drain last night.

For us, I think the rain sent a lot of people packing early.

[LJ]

I think a lot of people decided to stay home.

[Victoria Watcher]

B.C. Ferries says it’s planning to order four new electric-powered Island-class vessels under an accelerated schedule.

 

But it’s also facing financial uncertainties while it awaits a decision on passenger-fare increases during the next four years.

 

The decision on fares is expected Sept. 30. New rates would go into effect April 1, 2024.

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...vessels-7507918

[Mike K.]

Why does the media always talk in jargon when speaking about BC Ferries? What is an Island Class ferry?

[max.bravo]

https://en.wikipedia...and-class_ferry

[todd]

Why does the media always talk in jargon when speaking about BC Ferries? What is an Island Class ferry?

usually just see them on Pandora

[Mike K.]

https://en.wikipedia...and-class_ferry

Great.

It would make sense for the paper to cite them as 300-passenger Island Class ferries, then. It’s just an extra small step, but it means so much more to the reader.

[Victoria Watcher]

B.C. Ferries passengers could face a jump in fares once the recent $500 million boost to the system runs out after four years unless fresh money comes in, says the B.C. Ferry Commission.

 

Commisioner Eva Hage expects that without additional funds there will be a “very high price cap because fare revenues from users would have to make up for that money from the government.”

 

The province contributes $194 million annually to the ferry system. The extra $500 million announced in February, under a separate ferry fare affordability contract, was part of a budget surplus which saw the province distribute money to ministries and other government bodies.

 

The $500 million is intended to keep annual fare increases to three per cent for four years. At the time it was announced, it was feared that ferry rates could climb by double digits.

 

In March, Hage announced a preliminary annual price cap of 9.2 per cent. She is now in the midst of working with consultants to determine what the actual price cap will be.

 

The decision is to be announced Sept. 30 and the new annual average rate comes into effect on April 1, 2024.

 

 

https://www.timescol...uns-out-7525400

[max.bravo]

Feels like these price increases are getting out of control.

But maybe we just got used to 2% annual increases during the last decade of ultra low interest rates. Maybe 10% fare increases will be the new normal in this inflationary era. That would suck.

[Nparker]

BC Ferries: "Pay us more and we'll give you less".

[max.bravo]

99% of sailings depart on time*

*Not counting the 40% that are canceled due to unforeseen circumstances

[Victoria Watcher]

Spokesperson Karen Johnston said B.C. Ferries is “very aware” of the community’s concerns regarding service under the current contract, which is set to expire at the end of March.

 

Vancouver-based Western Pacific Marine operates the M.V. Centurion VII under a contract with B.C. Ferries. The vessel carries foot traffic from French Creek Harbour — between Parksville and Qualicum Beach — to False Bay on Lasqueti Island.

 

Johnston said on Monday that B.C. Ferries is in “ongoing discussions with [Western Pacific Marine] to ensure all aspects of the current contract are being met, and penalties imposed, if warranted.”

 

The Centurion VII can carry up to 59 passengers while its backup, the Hollyburn, can carry 40.

 

B.C. Ferries contracts out services to a number of smaller operators along the coast, including the Lasqueti Island ferry, with the province contributing funding to operate contracted services.

 

A B.C. Ferries marine superintendent is responsible for ensuring terms of the contract are met, Johnston said.

 

The contract requires a minimum number of annual sailings per year and Western Pacific Marine must provide a trip summary of all sailings.

 

Operators are subject to fee adjustments when services are not delivered per the contract’s terms. In cases of continued lack of service by an operator, B.C. Ferries can put the company on notice and require a remedy within 10 days, Johnston said.

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...service-7534253

 

 

 

 

 

That's all pretty rich.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 12 September 2023 - 01:28 PM.

[Matt R.]

Similar thing is happening further north, Denny Island to Bear Cove or whatever it’s called. No contract, no sailings pretty soon.

[lanforod]

That’s rich is right. Can we put BCF on notice and require a fix in 10 days?

[Victoria Watcher]

Code of conduct coming for Lasqueti ferry passengers, training for crew

 

Measures aim to quell ongoing discontent with contracted passenger-ferry-service provider

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...or-crew-7557210

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 17 September 2023 - 03:56 AM.