6400 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

Maybe it makes a difference during busier periods, but if you can close the gap by 1’, you can squeeze on 20 extra cars. If you close the gap by 2’ that’s an extra 40 cars. Tourists especially park a mile from the car in front of them.

[lanforod]

Yeah. But I think when there are multiple sailing waits, they do try get folks to park closer.

[Mike K.]

Correct. It’s all hands on deck then.

[Victoria Watcher]

Maybe it makes a difference during busier periods, but if you can close the gap by 1’, you can squeeze on 20 extra cars. If you close the gap by 2’ that’s an extra 40 cars. Tourists especially park a mile from the car in front of them.

I’ve seen some ridiculous gaps. It’s the mentality “I’m on board who cares about the rest”. Sort of like the clown at the bank teller that does 14 transactions.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 August 2024 - 07:34 AM.

[lanforod]

Usually when I see a big gap is a tourist or old person who can’t judge the distance well. Or they stop the instant they get the beep that there’s something in front.

[Victoria Watcher]

My ‘67 Camaro has no such “beeper”.

[lanforod]

Oh yeah. That’s the other case. Folks with well kept classics or super cars.

[Victoria Watcher]

No ferry reservation? B.C. Ferries travellers face waits of up to six sailings

Mondays and Thursdays have been especially busy during the summer since they are just before and just after weekends, says a B.C. Ferries spokesperson.


https://www.timescol...ailings-9340944




We have a 1972 solution. So wrong in 2024.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 12 August 2024 - 03:50 PM.

[FogPub]

^What do you mean by "1972 solution"?

[Mike K.]

As in, the system still operates today much like it did 50 years ago.

[Nparker]

The Coho operates almost unchanged from over 60 years ago and it's still going strong.

[Tony]

Perhaps the Washington state ferry system is a better comparison for the similar challenges faced by BC ferries.

 

https://www.postalle...so-hard-to-fix/

 

How could BC ferries improve now for the future? What are the current plans going forward? We have to start where we are and not just complain about past errors. What could BC ferries do in addition to current long term plans?

 

https://www.bcferrie...munity/projects

Edited by Tony, 13 August 2024 - 05:32 PM.

[Mike K.]

First order of business should be to stop the forced subsidization of Gulf Island ferries by passengers on the major routes to the mainland.

Second order of business is to provide truckers with overnight sailings and get them off the mid-day runs.

There’s so much more that can be done. But at least start there.

[Victoria Watcher]

You might be under the assumption that many men want to work an overnight shift.

I suspect that few do.

[Mike K.]

Granted, it would be among the best overnight jobs out there.

[Victoria Watcher]

Open the docks to private competitors, just like every airport. That’s how to fix the ferry system.

Then start on the new highway to the toll bridge to Salt Spring.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 13 August 2024 - 10:18 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Where a community is served by a dedicated ferry or two those ships and facilities should be sold to those communities for $1 and then those communities can run them as they see fit, but with no provincial government subsidy. They will have a right to tax citizens or homeowners in those commmunitues if they wish to subsidize fares, maintenance and future upgrades.and replacements.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 13 August 2024 - 10:24 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Islands served by many ferries that also visit other islands, this will be more difficult. But generally, mid day sailings should be cut or eliminated.

[Victoria Watcher]

Make B.C. Transit to the ferry “free” on both sides but recover that money by a slight increase in the walk-on fare. Make those buses more express including from the West Shore and the Fraser Valley.

Upgrade systems and procedures at the airports to allow for a service that’s more like a bus, and leaves every 15 minutes.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 13 August 2024 - 10:35 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Increase the availability and convenience of rental and car-share cars at most terminals.

Have the City (via hotel tax?) subsidize a car ferry to Seattle using the new Belleville Terminal. It’s ludicrous we are ignoring that massive market or often limiting it to day-trippers.