"In 2003, we spent $45 million [on fuel] and this year we'll spend $135 million," -- BC Ferries president David Hahn highlighting the rising cost of fuel and its impact on how BC Ferries will need to operate.
Fuel surcharges are set to rise on the various routes of British Columbia Ferries as the coastal transportation provider tries to come to grips with the reality of our constantly changing economic times.
The increase of fuel surcharges will reach from eight to nine per cent on major routes and 15 to 20 per cent on smaller routes, the plan to implement the surcharges now was made because BC Ferries fears that if they had waited until fall as planned then the increases would be even higher.
Cynics of course will note, that by implementing them now instead of in the fall, the Ferry Corporation will gain at least three months of high travel loads with the new rates in effect, providing a cushion for the fall months we suppose. Though many will question whether a Corporation that has recently rewarded its board of directors so handsomely should be tapping the customer for yet another injection of cash.
The impact on the increases will be felt across the parts of the province where the Ferry service provides a key service of transporting goods to locations up and down the coast and on Vancouver Island, it's expected that the rising fuel costs will be passed along to consumers who will have to pay more for those items once they reach the neighbourhood shelves.
BC Ferries last increased fares on the various routes back on April 1st, with increases of 7.3 percent on the major routes and 4 per cent on the minor routes.
Last week the Northern View had a story on the ferry corporations net earning declarations last week and at that time provided an indication that the fuel rate increases were on the way.
Hahn appeared on the Bill Good Show today on CKNW, he spent an hour with Good outlining the need for the fuel surcharges as well as discussing a number of issues about the fleet, the full hour of the show can be accessed at the CKNW audio vault select the 9-10am hour on Tuesday to listen in.
Vancouver Sun-- B.C. Ferries seeks surcharges of up to 20%
Vancouver Province-- B.C. Ferries seeks surcharges of up to 20%
CTV News BC-- BC Ferries to hike prices sooner than expected
Global BC-- B.C. Ferries seeks surcharges of up to 20%
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