There were a lot fewer people and vehicles aboard the Gabriola ferry last month. BC Ferries latest numbers show a 10.5 per cent drop in vehicle traffic and a 7 per cent dip in passengers compared to the same month last year.
Gabriola Ferry Advisory Committee Chair John Hodgkins says that’s one of the biggest drops on any gulf island route. He says there are at least three contributing factors.
Hodgkins says the 4 per cent increase in fares at beginning of April, coupled with the sailing cuts and schedule change just before the start of May likely played a role. But he says it’s still too early to tell whether the decreased traffic is a trend that will continue.
Numbers are also down on the Langdale Horseshoe Bay route, which lost a Sunday morning round trip.
Many travellers are blaming that cut for delays and overloads.  More than once, Ferries has had to add a sailing to cope.
Speaking on Coast TV’s “Parliamentary Talkback”, Powell River Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons said that’s costing – not saving -money
BC Ferries says it’s looking into the scheduling and strategies to improve on time performance.
