Continuing our series of blogs in follow up to November, 2014’s BC on the Move Twitter Townhall, we have grouped together your questions themes to better respond to them. Earlier we did one on cycling and this blog will focus on BC ferries, coastal and inland.
Over to you…
Question:
@toddstonebc #BContheMove When was the business case made for all those ferry cuts and rate hikes? Looked at your tax revenue lately?
— BI Ferry Fairness (@BIFerryFairness) November 18, 2014
Answer:
The coastal ferry system is facing significant challenges, like other ferry systems around the world. The Province is working towards a vision where coastal communities are connected in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner.
Questions:
@toddstonebc Has the reduction in BC Ferry service had a negative impact on ferry-dependent communities? #BContheMove
— Stephen Quinn (@CBCStephenQuinn) November 18, 2014
#bconthemove? Today all major BC dailies reporting on millions lost on Discovery Route due to BCFerry cuts – your response?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
We’ve said all along that there will be impacts. The changes were necessary to ensure the long-term affordability and sustainability of coastal ferries.
Question:
@toddstonebc What about a sales tax increase. In King County the sales tax was increased by .1%. Would you consider that? #BContheMove
— Stephen Quinn (@CBCStephenQuinn) November 18, 2014
Answer:
A sales tax increase is not being considered at this time. Taxpayers are already contributing significant funding to support ferries.
Question:
#bconthemove Studies show lost tax revenue outweighs savings from service cuts on Circle Route – reinstate service? If not, why not?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Maintaining the service was not sustainable given the ongoing financial losses, low utilization, and the need to replace the vessel estimated at $100 million.
Question:
#bconthemove? BC Ferries Tswass – Duke Pt. run loses +/-$18 M a year. Why is it not subject to cuts?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
BC Ferries has implemented $4 million in service adjustments on its major routes, including Tswwassen-Duke Point, and they continue to explore opportunities for greater efficiencies.
Question:
#bconthemove? Explain why the 1st Nations living on Penelakut Is. are forced to suffer fare hikes and service cuts?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
We’ve heard concerns about affordability of the service from ferry users up and down the coast. Service adjustments were part of a larger strategy to help address those concerns.
Question:
#bconthemove? why are the inland ferries not subject to rising fares and service cuts?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
The annual cost of inland ferry service is roughly $26 million, with the taxpayer contribution per vehicle carried being comparable to the coastal ferry system. Due to the nature of the inland ferry service, the system is not facing the same financial pressures as coastal ferries.
Question:
RT @CoastalMainland: #bconthemove? How do you justify BC Ferries CEO Mike Corrigan's recent performance bonus? THEY CANT
— Scott Simmons (@saltspringRE) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Changes to executive compensation at BC Ferries eliminated bonuses and are now more consistent with public sector guidelines.
Question:
#bconthemove? Why are BC Ferries users still levied a fuel service charge in light of the price of oil right now?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Mike Corrigan, CEO of BC Ferries recently addressed this question – to view, visit: http://www.bcferries.com/about/ceo-message/Nov-19-2014.html
Question:
#bconthemove? Minor ferry routes can't stick to new schedules – eating into projected savings. What happens now?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
BC Ferries looks at performance of schedules and has been open to modifications based on discussions with community representatives.
Question:
#bconthemove? Why does BC Gov't condone Ferries "trade barrier" btwn the 2 largest populations in BC? Surely, tax revenue must suffer, no?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
The coastal ferry system is facing significant challenges, like other ferry systems around the world. Province is working towards a vision where coastal communities are connected in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner.
Question:
#bconthemove? Obvious that BC Ferries NOT an independent business given Nanaimo flip-flop – why can't we, the people, see the books?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Potential changes to Nanaimo service were part of BC Ferries’ efficiency plan which is available on the BC Ferry Commissioner’s website. The Province determines service levels, BC Ferries provides the operating expertise and the BC Ferry Commissioner regulates the fares.
Question:
#bconthemove? Consulting with cyclists across the province but not the 20% of the population living in ferry-dependant communities? Why?
— CoastalMainland (@CoastalMainland) November 18, 2014
Answer:
A public engagement process dedicated to coastal ferries took place in 2012 and 2013. Over 5,000 participants provided significant public feedback. As well, ferries are part of the BC On the Move discussion.
Question:
@toddstonebc @TranBC Are you really aware of just how much frustration there is surrounding BCFerries and their policies? #BContheMove
— hipark (@hipark0325) November 18, 2014
Answer:
The Province has received a significant amount of public feedback from over 5,000 participants that came out during the 2012 and 2013 coastal ferries public engagements.
Question:
How do you justify funding roads for fracking for a handful of companies but not ferries for %20 of the people? #BContheMove @toddstonebc
— Lorne Gottschewski (@LGottschewski) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Taxpayers are providing considerable funding to support coastal ferry services – more that $200 million last year.
Question:
@toddstonebc @TranBC Why isn't #BCFerries run as efficiently as Washington State Ferries? Managment overhead is too high! #bconthemove
— Mr SmartyMeter (@MrSmartyMeter) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Both systems face similar challenges: rising operational costs, aging vessels and terminals and maintaining ridership.
Question
.@toddstonebc @tranbc 1 of the challenges w/ BC Ferries is the high # of crew required onboard by @Transport_gc. Time 4 review?#BContheMove
— Rob MacKay-Dunn (@robmackaydunn) November 18, 2014
Answer:
As Transport Canada is responsible for establishing minimum crewing levels, it would be up to Transport Canada to review those levels.
Question:
BC Ferries CEO make 3 times what Washington State ferry president makes! WHY? #BConthemove
— Scott Simmons (@saltspringRE) November 18, 2014
Answer:
There are many differences between the Washington State Ferry service and BC Ferries, yet both are facing similar challenges of rising costs, aging vessels and terminals and maintaining ridership. The Province is working to achieve its vision of coastal communities being connected in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner.
Question:
Good evening, Minister @ToddStoneBC. I am sure that you have noticed the #BCFerries convo. Is it in the #BConthemove plan? #bumsinseats
— Sean Smith (@SeanSmithCR) November 18, 2014
Answer:
It is. Please check out the coastal ferries section in the BC on the Move website: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/regionalinfo/
Question:
Are Bowen Residents waiting for the ferry at HSB at risk from the potential seismic collapse of the loading deck? #bconthemove
— Melanie SurteesMason (@Surtees_Mason) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Safety is a priority for BC Ferries, and they are best suited to answer questions about its terminals and planned upgrades.
Question:
#bconthemove Why is #BCFerries not simply part of the highway system?
— The Transfer Studio (@TheTransferStud) November 18, 2014
Answer:
Ferry systems have different cost structure than highways and face unique challenges. Whether inside or outside of government, the ferry system would still be facing similar challenges. Our government has been taking action to address the challenges facing coastal ferries.
Thank you again for your questions and participating in the BC on the Move Twitter Townhall. We hope to have the rest of the answers to our “Your Questions Answered” series posted soon.
