STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.

NDP budget includes fare freeze, seniors discount for BC Ferries

Feb 20, 2018 | 3:34 PM

NANAIMO — Substantial relief for BC Ferries’ passengers were announced in the NDP’s first budget.

In Tuesday’s budget speech, the government announced fares on all three major routes will be frozen, while small routes will see ticket prices rolled back by 15 per cent. Finance minister Carole James also announced seniors will be able to sail free of charge Monday to Thursday, reinstating a program previously clawed-back by the Liberals.

“Ferry costs have skyrocketed putting Islanders at a disadvantage that is both costly and unfair,” James said, noting escalating ferry costs have hurt businesses too.

James referred to the ferries as part of the provincial highway system.