BC Ferries is returning to service at Departure Bay after nixing he service in April due to declining ridership (Ian Seggie)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

RETURN TO SERVICE

BC Ferries service from Departure Bay resumes after COVID-19 suspension

Jun 3, 2020 | 5:58 AM

NANAIMO — Daily ferry service has returned to Departure Bay in Nanaimo.

Beginning Wednesday, June 3, BC Ferries will complete four daily round trips between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay, down from the typical seven or eight on the route.

The revised schedule is as follows:

• From Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver): 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 6:50 p.m.
• From Departure Bay (Nanaimo): 10:30 a.m., 12:50 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:50 p.m.

All sailings are currently operating on 50 per cent capacity to promote physical distancing.

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Travellers are advised to either book a reservation or arrive at the terminal up to an hour prior to sailing time.

“Transport Canada is currently permitting customers to stay in their vehicles on both the upper and lower car deck,” Deborah Marshall, BC Ferries communications manager told NanaimoNewsNOW. “If customers are travelling with us, staying in their vehicle is a great way to practice physical distancing.”

Daily service between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay was suspended in early April as traffic volumes plummeted due to COVID-19 and recommendations from the province promoted staying at home.

Sailings between Duke Point and Tsawwassen continued on a modified schedule.

“When the pandemic first occurred our passenger and vehicle ridership was down about 80 per cent,” Marshall said. “We are seeing passengers down about 75 per cent right now and vehicles down about 60 per cent.”

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