6587 replies to this topic

[Matt R.]

Yeah, toxic fumes or a gas leak, but was it just 300mg of thc and a wicked case of the spins? Guess it doesn’t really matter as long as they fix the gas leak.

[Victoria Watcher]

This summer, ferry passengers will be able to travel directly from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen terminal to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay terminal after BC Ferries announced the once-a-day service to help manage peak-season demand.

 

On Wednesday, BC Ferries announced the new summer service, where passengers will board the Queen of Alberni, at the Tsawwassen terminal and leave for its final trip at 4:30 p.m. to Departure Bay. This is a one-way service with no returns to Tsawwassen.

 

“This new direct sailing to Departure Bay gives our customers more choice and convenience when travelling to central Nanaimo this summer and will help ease congestion for passengers at other busy terminals,” said Melanie Lucia, VP of customer experience at BC Ferries. “It also allows us to dock the vessel overnight at Departure Bay, maximizing our fleet utilization and improving operational efficiency.”

 

The daily one-way 4:30 p.m. service starts June 19 and runs until Sept. 1, 2025. BC Ferries hopes the service provides more options to travellers and improves overall efficiency of the ferry operations.

 

This provides Nanaimo-bound passengers with two terminal options and bookings for the new route are open via the BC Ferries website and app.

 

https://cheknews.ca/...summer-1246072/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 March 2025 - 04:27 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

If it's a "one-way" service, how does the Alberni get to Tsawwassen each day?  Empty?  Or does it overnight at Departure Bay then go to Duke Point empty each day?

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 March 2025 - 04:33 PM.

[vortoozo]

Victoria Watcher, on 27 Mar 2025 - 12:29 AM, said:

If it's a "one-way" service, how does the Alberni get to Tsawwassen each day?  Empty?  Or does it overnight at Departure Bay then go to Duke Point empty each day?

 

The Alberni is the third boat on Duke Point to Tsawwassen in the summer. Since there's only one berth at Duke Point, it can't tie up there since it ends its day prior to the other sailings, and begins after the others have already started. One presumes the plan is for it to run from Departure Bay to Duke Point empty every morning in time for the first run at 9am.

[Victoria Watcher]

vortoozo, on 27 Mar 2025 - 05:01 AM, said:

The Alberni is the third boat on Duke Point to Tsawwassen in the summer. Since there's only one berth at Duke Point, it can't tie up there since it ends its day prior to the other sailings, and begins after the others have already started. One presumes the plan is for it to run from Departure Bay to Duke Point empty every morning in time for the first run at 9am.

 

How did it do it last year?  Like where did it tie up each night?

 

I'm guessing this means it's changing from a Mainland-based crew to a Nanaimo one.   

 

I'm not so sure BCF is being all that transparent here.  Instituting a first of its kind, a one-way ferry trip.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 March 2025 - 09:11 PM.

[vortoozo]

Believe the 3rd route 30 boat has been based on the island since they started it in 2023. It likely deadheaded both ways between Duke Point and Departure Bay for the last two years. The new schedule avoids the evening deadhead move. A morning Departure Bay to Tsawwassen probably isn't feasible due to vehicle space at Departure Bay. Don't think they have enough lanes to segregate traffic to both ports as well as manage vehicles waiting for standby space. So the Duke Point departure/deadhead move is still necessary.

[Victoria Watcher]

vortoozo, on 27 Mar 2025 - 07:42 AM, said:

Believe the 3rd route 30 boat has been based on the island since they started it in 2023. It likely deadheaded both ways between Duke Point and Departure Bay for the last two years. The new schedule avoids the evening deadhead move. A morning Departure Bay to Tsawwassen probably isn't feasible due to vehicle space at Departure Bay. Don't think they have enough lanes to segregate traffic to both ports as well as manage vehicles waiting for standby space. So the Duke Point departure/deadhead move is still necessary.

 

Oh, I see, that makes sense.

 

Although I'm still not sure how poplar a one-off sailing will be each day.   Although if I'm a motorist I probably do not care much what Nanaimo terminal I end up at.

[Victoria Watcher]

Mill Bay-Brentwood Bay ferry sailings cancelled Saturday afternoon due to crew shortage

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...ortage-10448814

 

 

 

 

The company recommended customers with suitable vehicles to travel via the Malahat.