A BC Ferries vessel departing Horseshoe Bay. (News Bulletin file photo)

A BC Ferries vessel departing Horseshoe Bay. (News Bulletin file photo)

BC Ferries increasing sailings, though traffic levels still way down

Ferry corporation adding 120 weekly sailings on busiest routes starting next week

BC Ferries is increasing sailings on major routes, though low traffic levels suggest it won’t be a typical summer for ferry travel.

A press release from the ferry corporation notes that it is adding sailings to a number of routes, including Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay, Duke Point-Tsawwassen, Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay-Langdale.

BC Ferries notes that the additional sailings represent an increase of about 120 per week above June levels.

According to BC Ferries, traffic is down an average of 50 per cent across major routes after being down 80 per cent during April.

“The additional sailings mean capacity will exceed current summer demand by an average of 20 per cent,” the release notes. “BC Ferries believes it will be two to three years before traffic returns to pre-COVID levels.”

BC Ferries says although it will have “more than enough capacity to meet traffic demand,” it cautions that sailings at popular times will still fill up and recommends travellers make reservations and try to sail at less busy times of the day.

Customers are encouraged to remain in their vehicles on all decks during the summer and maintain physical distancing on board. Travellers must have a face mask with them to wear in case they are in situations where physical distancing isn’t possible.

For ferry schedules and more information, visit www.bcferries.com.

READ ALSO: BC Ferries passengers must now bring masks, face coverings for longer trips



editor@nanaimobulletin.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

More in News

Aubree Hebert, left, and Finn Thompson of Port Angeles High School plant a small tree on their campus on Wednesday, a beautification day for the school. Giant letters P and A were carved out and lined with bricks. The project was led by the Rider Crew, led by Adam Logan, and the Interact Club, with Angie Gooding as the advisor. More than 100 students were enthusiastically involved, and they intend to continue the work next week. Port Angeles School District Superintendent Marty Brewer attended also. Trees were donated by the Clallam County Conservation Society. Landscaping was designed by a student, Scarlett Fulton. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Beautification day at Port Angeles High School

Aubree Hebert, left, and Finn Thompson of Port Angeles High School plant… Continue reading

East Jefferson ambulance fees could increase

Fire commissioners to discuss topic, encourage public input

Proposed fee increases

Here are increases in the proposed new East Jefferson… Continue reading

Kate Dean.
Kate Dean appointed to state Board of Health

Jefferson commissioner appointed by governor

Port Angeles man faces child rape, incest charges

A 30-year-old Port Angeles man faces possible life in… Continue reading

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
FBI agents and Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies served a search warrant Wednesday in Quilcene that is part of a multi-agency investigation covering Western Washington and at least one other state.
Jefferson County deputies help FBI serve search warrant in Quilcene

Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies assisted FBI agents Wednesday morning in… Continue reading

Reward offered for news of missing teen

The family of a 14-year-old Sequim boy is offering a… Continue reading

Housing Coordinator Holden Fleming speaks to the Port Angeles City Council at their regular meeting on Tuesday, when new zoning codes were adopted in an effort to bring additional housing to the city. (Peter Segall/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles updates zoning regulations

As it aims for additional housing, city revises code

Clallam County still pursuing Slip Point transfer

Historic designation doesn’t matter, county commissioners are told

Most Read