Local access again for BC Ferries

Responding to a call for better customer service on the Queen Charlotte's and Inside Passage routes, BC Ferries has apparently made moves to increase the ability to talk to a locally based human voice, when it comes to matters about the local runs.

The Queen Charlotte Islands Observer is reporting that a new local toll free number, 1-877-223-8778 has been introduced, which could see local reps picking up the line after the pre recorded message has been played.

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As well as the new phone number, BC Ferries is making plans for its customers to track the progress of the two northern ferries on the internet, a new feature that will use GPS technology to track the progress of the vessells. The site will apparently be found on the BC Ferries website. With its introduction, the North coast will join the southern region in the world of instant tracking capabilities.

Ferries has new number

Queen Charlotte Islands Observer

July 16, 2007

BC Ferries has just set up a new phone number dedicated to the northern routes. Spokesperson Deborah Marshall said islanders who phone the 1-800 number will first hear a recording, but could end up speaking to a staff member at the Skidegate or Prince Rupert ferry terminal if they are available.

The number gives callers options for making reservations, getting the latest arrival and departure information, or reporting lost and found items.

The new number is 1-877-223-8778.

Tracking the ferries feature soon available

Queen Charlotte Islands Observer

July 16, 2007

By the end of the summer, islanders with access to high-speed internet will be able to track the travels of the Queen of Prince Rupert and the Northern Adventure in live time, says BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall.

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The GPS technology that allows people to check out where ferries are over the internet is already in place on the southern routes, and it's coming soon to the northern routes, Ms Marshall said. "We're just finalizing the infrastructure," she said. "It will be great for everybody up north."

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North Coast MLA Gary Coons, who is the NDP's critic for ferries, told us that he has seen a version of the vessel tracking for northern routes.

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We checked it out at http://pathfinder.applocation.net/bcferries/route13.html on Monday afternoon and it was amazing, clearly showing the location of all three northern route vessels, their speed, and their destination, in live time, refreshed every minute.