Another packed day on BC Ferries’ most popular route had the company calling in reinforcements.
BC Ferries was forced to launch two extra sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawassen after an unusually busy Wednesday led two a two-sailing wait before 1 p.m.
The company added a 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. sailing out of Swartz Bay to alleviate the pressure.
But with vehicle traffic up six per cent this spring, the mid-week sailing waits are becoming the norm.
“We believe it’s a combination of factors. With a lower Canadian dollar, more Canadians are staying at home. We’re seeing more American visitors come up and visit us,” said BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall. “The price at the pump is down, so it gives people more discretionary income. And of course with the good weather, lots of people want to get out there and travel on a ferry.”
The extra sailings are part of a manager’s discretion approach which travellers can expect to see more of during the month of June, before full-time summer hours kick in.
Service between Swartz Bay and Tsawassen has been beefed up by 32 additional sailings in June on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays.
Eleven sailings have also been added to the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route that connects West Vancouver with Nanaimo.
With the forecast calling for major heat this weekend, the company is warning passengers to consider making a reservation to avoid getting stuck.
