BC Ferries is hiking its fares due to the sustained high fuel prices starting November 1, the company said.
As a result, the cost for an adult will increase 70 cents and $3.15 for a vehicle and driver on the Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island routes, and an average of 40 cents for an adult and $1.70 for a vehicle and driver on a variety of inter-island routes.
Over the past 18 years, BC Ferries has used a fuel rebate/surcharge mechanism to manage the price volatility. When prices are lower, BC Ferries issues a fuel rebate to customers as part of fares. Conversely, higher prices result in a fuel surcharge specifically designed to cover the additional cost of fuel.
The company does not benefit financially from surcharges or rebates, BC Ferries said.
BC Ferries has made significant investments to reduce its consumption of fuel and use cleaner, lower cost fuels, such as liquefied natural gas to replace the use of ultra-low sulphur diesel fuels. The company also introduced battery-equipped ships designed for future full electric operation when shore charging infrastructure can be installed in B.C.
Despite initiatives to burn fuel more efficiently, a fuel surcharge is necessary at this time. BC Ferries closely monitors the cost of fuel and applies a rebate or surcharge, or neither, under a regulatory process that is set by the BC Ferries Commissioner.
