Sailing waits will occur this summer despite additional sailings and crew members added to BC Ferries. The company says travel can go smoother with a reservation or by arriving early. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

summer rush

Record traffic expected as BC Ferries ramps up service for summer season

May 16, 2024 | 9:44 AM

NANAIMO — The unofficial start of the summer season has arrived with hundreds of thousands of people expected to travel this long weekend

It also serves as one final stress test for the BC Ferries network ahead of what is projected to be a record-breaking summer season with the company expecting eight million passengers and 3.2 million vehicles between June 1 and Sept. 5.

Darren Johnston, vice president of marine operations, said the company is almost done its annual hiring blitz, bringing in nearly 600 new staff for the summer months to work on board ships and in terminals.

“We’ve regularized many of our casual positions, and we’ve given casual employees, better terms and conditions of work. As a public service, we understand that it’s frustrating to our customers when things don’t go according to the plan and that’s what we’re primarily engaged in an effort to do here.”

In previous years, hours of work for casual employees had been spotty, leading to many either leaving early or not applying at all.

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Additional sailings have also been added to their spring and summer schedules.

New sailing times began Thursday, May 16 and will run through mid-June before the full summer schedule takes effect through early September.

Almost 350 extra sailings have been added according to company spokesperson Lindsay Matthews.

She added additional crossings will increase the number of discounted routes for travellers to take advantage of in off-peak times.

“This summer about 30 per cent of all fares available to book in advance on our most popular routes will be ‘saver’ fares. That’s more than 500,000 saver fares starting at just $39 for standard vehicle and driver.”

BC Ferries is also adding a third vessel to complete trips between Nanaimo’s Duke Point and Tsawwassen and seasonal increases to service in and out of Departure Bay.

The company advises all travellers to book a reservation or arrive very early at the terminal to ensure boarding on the ferry they want.

More information on schedules, current conditions and reservations is available at the BC Ferries website.

— with files from Bill Nation, 97.3 The Eagle

Expect long waits if you’re travelling without a reservation on board BC Ferries this summer, with considerable traffic expected. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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