a vision for coastal ferry services - govtogetherbc€¦ · 5. a vision or coastal ferry services:...

A Vision ForPre-Engagement Regional Forums Summary of Feedback

Coastal Ferry Services:

A Vision for Coastal Ferry Services: Pre-Engagement Regional Forums Summary of Feedback

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Pre-Engagement Overview 2

Executive Summary 4

Key Themes 8

Key Topics 9

Accessibility 9Amenities 9Community connector 9Demographics 10Environment 11Equity 11Fares and pricing 12Goods and services 13Governance 13Infrastructure design 14Integration 15Reservations and bookings 16Residents and tourism 17Routes and terminals 17Scheduling 18

Next steps 19

A Vision for Coastal Ferry Services: Pre-Engagement Regional Forums Summary of Feedback1.

Introduction

In October 2019, the Government of British Columbia announced the development of a provincial vision for the future of BC’s coastal ferry service.

Between October and November 2019, the Province engaged with more than 130 stakeholders in seven communities throughout coastal BC. These facilitated pre-engagement forums, attended by Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena, offered an opportunity for stakeholders to share their priorities, concerns and considerations for a provincial vision. What we heard in these forums is outlined in the following pages and will help to inform a second round of engagement. This next round of engagement will be launched in early 2020 and will feature online engagement opportunities, as well as in-person meetings with local MLAs.

Coastal ferry service as we know it today is the result of the coordinated action of many parties. Some operate within the Coastal Ferry Act (i.e. BC Ferries, BC Government, BC Ferry Commission), and some operate outside of it (e.g. unregulated service providers). A key recommendation of Blair Redlin’s independent 2018 Review of Coastal Ferry Services was the development of a provincial vision for coastal ferry service. A clear vision informed by community and stakeholder input will help to align these distinct parties and shape the future of coastal ferry service in British Columbia.


Pre-Engagement Overview

The objectives of the pre-engagement forums were:

1. To collect input on what ways ferry services are important to stakeholders in coastalcommunities;

2. To collect ideas on what should be considered as part of a vision for coastal ferryservices; and

3. To inform the broader public engagement strategy.

These pre-engagement forums targeted a cross-section of perspectives representing interests and regions from across British Columbia, including Indigenous communities and organizations, industry and non-profit organization stakeholders, school districts, health authorities, transportation planners and advocacy groups, Ferry Advisory Committees, labour groups, and provincial and municipal elected officials.

A parallel and separate Indigenous engagement process was also launched. Letters were sent to over 90 coastal First Nations to share information on the engagement process and invite participation through in-person meetings to discuss their views on a coastal ferry vision.The following table illustrates the timeline, location and attendance of the seven regional forums held across the province:

*Note: These numbers are not exhaustive as not all attendees filled in the sign-in sheet.

The forums opened with a group discussion of the following questions:

Thinking about life in coastal regions of BC in 10-20 years, how will the way we live, work and get around change? What would a truly integrated marine and land-based transportation system look like?

Supported by table facilitators, participants split into three groups to provide more detailed input on three topics – Services, Ferry Users and Community – through a world café style exercise. Participants spent the duration of the workshop sharing their perspectives on each of these topic areas, guided by the following prompting questions:

Date Location Number of attendees*

October 16 Haida Gwaii 20

October 18 Sechelt 25

November 7 Vancouver 16

November 8 Comox 10

November 12 Nanimo 22

November 14 Victoria 19

November 15 Salt Spring Island 17


SERVICES

• Thinking about life in coastal BC in the next 10 - 20 years, what does a “trip of the future”look like?

• How will demand for service change? How can these demands be met?• Are there different routes or terminal locations that should be considered?

FERRY USERS

• Thinking about the ferry user of the future, who will they be and how might their needshave changed?

• How will people use the ferry system in the future and how will ferry service need tochange to better meet these needs?

• Which user groups are currently not well served by the ferry service? How could ferryservice better serve the needs of these groups?

COMMUNITIES

• How does ferry service contribute to the economic, social, and environmental fabric ofcoastal communities?

• Given all the challenges facing communities, how could ferry services better serve yourcommunity in the future?


Executive Summary

Over the course of the seven regional forums, participants shared input on a wide variety of topics: from accessibility to scheduling. These topics are listed and described below in the ‘Key Topics’ section of the report. From these topics, four key themes emerged. These themes will form the building blocks of the vision that will be developed in the next phase of engagement for the Coastal Ferry Vision process.

In this pre-engagement phase, we heard that British Columbians want a coastal ferry system that:

• Supports efficient end-to-end travel of people and goods;• Is equitable and accessible;• Mitigates and is responsive to climate change; and• Reflects the values of coastal communities.

The following infographic shows how the key topics informed the development of each theme. Thicker lines reflect stronger relationships between the themes and topics.


We engaged with stakeholders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds. Participants shared with us both considerations and concerns regarding the current state of coastal ferries in British Columbia, and the implications that these considerations have on a vision for the future of coastal ferries. Some topics were common to all forums, and some topics were specific to the location – reflecting unique perspectives of individual communities.


We encouraged participants at each forum to think creatively and not be constrained by the ferry system as it is today. Throughout the forums, we heard about the crucial role ferries play in the lives of many British Columbians. Ferries were often described as a ‘lifeline’ that connects people with family, friends, work, essential services and medical appointments, goods, and travel. For smaller communities, in particular, many participants spoke of the extent to which people are entirely reliant on ferries.

There was widespread support for viewing ferry service as a public good, with many participants considering ferry routes to be marine sections of BC’s highway network. Though there was no clear consensus on how a vision could best support this, people discussed the importance of recognizing coastal and island communities as integral parts of BC that should be given equitable transportation service and support as those who live on the mainland.

We also heard the importance of a seamless and people-centred transportation experience. Across all seven forums, there were three main topics of feedback relating to ferry users: the types of people and groups who use ferries and their unique considerations and needs, the different reasons why they use ferries, and the various ways they access them.


Some people currently rely on cars to get around, for reasons ranging from travelling with children, pets or goods to inability to access terminals or destinations without a vehicle. We also heard from participants who travel without a car – using active transportation or public transit – and those who would do so provided the right mix of marine and land-side services are available (including more and better transit and car-sharing options or active transportation infrastructure).

An individual can fall into any one or multiple of these categories at different times. For example, someone may commute for work with a car for some trips but by bike with their children for leisure.

What we heard throughout this pre-engagement process will help to shape the second phase of the visioning process, in which all British Columbians will have an opportunity to participate in early 2020.

Key Themes

Four broad themes emerged from what we heard across the seven forums. Each theme is made up of parts of multiple topics, which are described below in the ‘Key Topics’ section.

Theme 1: A coastal ferry system should support efficient end-to-end journeys of people and goods

This theme reflects the idea of ferry service being viewed as a link in a chain of transportation connectivity – from A to Z – instead of ferry service being viewed independently as a trip from one terminal to another. People highlighted the importance of ‘complete’ or ‘end-to-end’ journeys, from origin to destination. This would include not only ferry services, but also connecting transportation services and infrastructure along the way between origins and destinations – like buses or trains, bike lanes and storage, or safe sidewalks. Similar discussions were also had around the transport of goods.

Theme 2: A coastal ferry system should be equitable and accessible.

This theme encompasses the many discussions around equity of the ferry system. Many participants shared their desire for a coastal ferry system that is accessible to everyone, regardless of income or ability, while also reflecting the unique needs of ferry-dependent users and communities. Affordability and physical accessibility of infrastructure were both major topics within this theme, along with governance and a desire for increased accountability.


Key Themes

Four broad themes emerged from what we heard across the seven forums. Each theme is made up of parts of multiple topics, which are described below in the ‘Key Topics’ section.

Theme 1: A coastal ferry system should support efficient end-to-end travel of people and goods

This theme reflects the idea of ferry service being viewed as a link in a chain of transportation connectivity – from A to Z – instead of ferry service being viewed independently as a trip from one terminal to another. People highlighted the importance of ‘complete’ or ‘end-to-end’ travel, from origin to destination. This would include not only ferry services, but also connecting transportation services and infrastructure along the way between origins and destinations – like buses or trains, bike lanes and storage, or safe sidewalks. Similar discussions were also had around the transport of goods.

Theme 2: A coastal ferry system should be equitable and accessible.

This theme encompasses the many discussions around equity of the ferry system. Many participants shared their desire for a coastal ferry system that is accessible to everyone, regardless of income or ability, while also reflecting the unique needs of ferry-dependent users and communities. Affordability and physical accessibility of infrastructure were both major topics within this theme, along with governance and a desire for increased accountability.

Theme 3: A coastal ferry system should mitigate and be responsive to climate change.

This theme captures the importance of a coastal ferry system that acts to lessen its impact on the environment, and is adaptive to the effects of climate change. British Columbia’s changing physical environment in both the short- and long-term was a major topic, with the implications of rising sea levels and more frequent severe weather or natural disasters being discussed at many forums.

Theme 4: A coastal ferry system should reflect the values of the coastal communities.

This theme is based on the recognition by many participants of the extent to which many coastal communities are dependent on ferry service. Some participants also discussed the differing needs and priorities of each community – and emphasized the importance of making sure that all community voices are heard. Better aligning ferry service with the objectives of communities, including formal community plans, was another key consideration within this theme.


Key Topics

The following pages describe the common topics heard across forums, outlining the various needs and considerations for the development of a vision for coastal ferry services. These topics are ordered alphabetically, and not in order of popularity or priority.

Accessibility

Accessibility was discussed in two primary forms: physical accessibility of ships and terminals for people with mobility issues, and accessibility of ferry services regarding distance from the origin and to the destination. Physical accessibility was referenced as a challenge for many participants with mobility issues, with steep ramps and long distances between areas of terminals and ships (such as passenger drop-off points to vessel entries) listed as examples.

The remote locations of many ferry terminals, and the challenges to access them without a private vehicle, was also discussed as part of a broader conversation regarding the need for better integrated transportation and support for non-vehicle modes of travel.

Amenities

At a high level, the dialogue around amenities for ferries and terminals was divided. Some participants advocated for a variety of specific amenities, such as improved wi-fi, improved workstation availability and quiet spaces, multiple-use spaces and dedicated children’s areas, healthier or more sustainable food options, more social spaces, and water fountains. Others favoured significantly cutting back on amenities in ferries - suggesting it could lead to capital and operational efficiencies and reduced fares for passengers – as exemplified by Washington State Ferries. Some suggested that these more ‘bare bones’ ferries could be particularly well-suited for shorter routes.

Though not universal, the two sides to this discussion ultimately led to support for amenities correlated with the length of the journey, and the type of user. For example, those who regularly commute on short routes – such as Langdale to Horseshoe Bay – preferred minimal amenities if it would lead to cost savings. Those who occasionally travel on longer routes, such as Haida Gwaii to Prince Rupert or Salt Spring Island to Tsawwassen, were more likely to be in favour of amenities.

Community connector

Many participants conveyed the importance of ferries to the social fabric of their communities. In some cases, they referred to ferries as social spaces that should be designed as such (e.g. pod-style seating instead of rows). In other cases, ferries were referred to as key links between small islands – allowing them to remain connected to each other. Some participants urged that ferries and their supporting infrastructure should better align with official community planning


processes and growth projections, and should strive to be better integrated with communities, in general.

In many of the forums, participants emphasized that there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to coastal ferries. Each community – large or small – has unique priorities and challenges that cannot necessarily be addressed with a single, centralized solution. Even within communities, there is not always consensus on a preferred approach. For example, some participants raised the possibility of building bridges to connect nearby island communities, while others from the same communities were against the proposal for its potential negative social impacts. This is important to consider moving forward with the development of a vision – while some aspects may be relatively universal, the implementation of a vision will need to be customizable to each region and community.

The uniqueness of communities is also true for British Columbia’s Indigenous communities – particularly those who are located in, or were displaced to, rural, remote islands. Indigenous participants in the forums discussed the importance of integrating Indigenous communities into BC’s transportation networks – marine and otherwise – but doing so from the perspective of partnership. Some Indigenous communities have developed private or community-run marine transportation infrastructure, such as water taxis, that could be better integrated with provincial systems. Ensuring that BC’s Indigenous peoples have equivalent access to essential services was highlighted as a key point.

Demographics

Participants discussed how demographics are changing in their communities. Many emphasized the importance of considering both current and expected demographics while developing the vision. For example, we heard that some communities on the Sunshine Coast have aging populations, but also are seeing more young families. These demographics may have different expectations or needs for ferry infrastructure compared to the region’s current or past populations, such as more accessible infrastructure for seniors or more children’s play areas on ships. These shifts may also mean that demand for service might change (e.g. more medical travel due to aging populations).

Some smaller communities are seeing population growth due to housing affordability issues in urban centres, which has led to more people commuting using ferries. A few participants suggested that migration to coastal communities may increase further if ferry service could support a larger population.

Participants emphasized that infrastructure and policy will affect not only existing demographics, but also future demographics. Given this, flexibility in the coastal ferry system will be extremely important, and these trends should be carefully considered in the development of the vision.


Environment

Conversations about the environment and environmental sustainability were threaded throughout many of the forums. By far, the most prevalent idea within this topic was the desire for the future vision to reflect a major shift toward foot passenger travel. Closely tied to the topic of integration, participants shared their personal experiences as foot passengers as well as recommendations to make travelling as a foot passenger easier and safer. These included better in-terminal and on-ship storage for active transportation equipment (such as bikes), safer and easier to use foot passenger terminal and ship designs, e-bike charging stations, and improved luggage storage and transfer options.

The creation of foot passenger only ferries was also proposed by many participants as a way to improve convenience, accessibility, travel times (for downtown to downtown travel) and significantly reduce negative climate impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions by transporting more people with less infrastructure. Foot passenger ferries with downtown to downtown service would also reduce reliance on transit or private vehicles for connections to and from terminals, which would have further environmental benefits.

Another popular topic was the electrification of coastal ferries. Though some acknowledged that the technology to do so may not yet be feasible, many still urged the transition to occur as soon as possible. Benefits cited included both the reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality associated with electric engines, and potential benefits for marine life. Shorter routes were suggested as ideal opportunities to pilot electric ferries.

Climate change was discussed with reference to both the greenhouse gas emissions from ferries and the effects that it could have on ferry service. Several participants urged recognition of the effects that sea-level rise will have on ferry infrastructure and questioned the extent to which this has been incorporated in infrastructure development processes and land use planning to date. Increased risk of service interruptions from severe weather was also discussed, particularly at exposed terminals such as the one in Tsawwassen.

Equity

Topics around equity and fairness in the ferry system were discussed in all of the forums. Some participants highlighted the tension around the idea of funding and subsidizing ferry services for coastal communities, particularly communities with small populations. People discussed how equity can be relative, with specific examples including islands compared to the mainland, small islands compared to large islands, car travellers compared to active transportation travellers, and local residents compared to tourists.

Conversations around the importance of the physical accessibility were also associated with the idea of equity of transportation service offerings for all British Columbians. Concerns around the potential equity implications of dynamic pricing were discussed at multiple forums, in that some types of it (such as peak and off-peak pricing) could present significant barriers


to lower-income people accessing ferry services if not implemented carefully (such as offering low-income exemptions). Equity considerations around the shift to digital-focused systems and materials – such as schedules – were also discussed with participants pointing out that they would not be easily available to some demographics (particularly seniors or those in rural areas).

Fares and pricing

Fares and pricing structures were a major topic, with strong support for some form of dynamic pricing from many participants. Dynamic pricing refers to any form of tiered or non-standardized pricing, which could include discounts for some demographics (local residents, seniors or youth), incentives to use certain types of transportation (like cycling or walking discounts), or time-based pricing to shift usage to off-peak periods like night or early morning sailings. Discounted fares for non-vehicle ferry travel were a prominent topic, with participants mentioning reduced rates for foot passengers (as opposed to a universal passenger fare) and eliminating surcharges for cyclists. A small number of participants highlighted the importance of making sure that dynamic pricing – in whatever form it is implemented – isn’t disproportionately unfair to lower-income people.

The sentiment that ferry fares are too high was shared by many participants. Some contended that the ferry system is and should be considered a marine highway, which should be subsidized in the same way as a road-based highway (i.e. free or with minimal user-paid fees). Affordability issues were also discussed, primarily relating to smaller communities where people rely on ferries to get to work, purchase groceries and other goods, or travel for medical reasons. This was a particularly popular topic in Haida Gwaii, where long and/or overnight trips are often required to access essential services – resulting in considerable expense. A small number of people suggested raising fares to fund improved service offerings and fill infrastructure gaps. Some also suggested that discounts should be based on income, rather than age or other such demographics.

The integration of payment systems across transportation modes – for example, a Compass Card type system that works with transit and ferries – was a popular topic in most forums. Reasons shared in favour of this approach include ease of use and improved back-end cooperation between agencies.

The topic of through fares was discussed, with a few participants expressing concern that, for some routes, they are required to pay higher fares than would be required if a direct route existed due to the need to take connecting ferries. Some suggested that through fare options should exist for more routes, reflecting the inability to make some trips without taking two ferries and paying two fares.

A few participants discussed the BC Ferries Experience card, generally expressing support for the model but also raising concerns regarding the upfront investment required and the relatively limited number of routes on which it can be used.


Participants also suggested a booking system that more specifically measured the length of vehicles with fares priced accordingly. For example, someone driving a small two-seat vehicle would not pay the same vehicle fare as someone in a large van.

Goods and services

Various elements of marine transportation of goods and services – essentially, the commercial use of ferries – were discussed. The details of this discussion varied considerably by region, reflecting the impact of geography and the nature of ferry service on each location.

Goods and services use of ferries was recognized by some participants as a crucial – though somewhat underrecognized – consideration for the visioning process. Participants suggested that growing populations in coastal communities will lead to increasing demand for goods and services, which will need to be met by ferry service or other marine transportation options. Some potential options were raised, including the creation of commercial-focused, priority or dedicated sailings – potentially scheduled at night, to reduce impact on non-commercial travellers. Some also suggested parallel marine transportation systems, such as barges, to reduce overall demand on ferries.

The transportation of goods and services for inter-island purposes or from islands to the mainland was also discussed, particularly with reference to burgeoning local economies in many communities. Several participants emphasized the need to determine solutions that not only support bringing goods to coastal communities, but that help export goods as well. The potential for local production offsetting the need to import goods was mentioned. Some participants who represented commercial organizations shared specific experiences with commercial use of ferries, highlighting challenges such as difficulties with the reservation system and safety and reliability concerns when travelling with livestock.

The importance of food security for island (or remote coastal) communities was also raised, particularly regarding the risk of an earthquake or some other kind of natural disaster. Multiple participants discussed the relatively small stockpiles of critical goods (such as food) in many coastal communities or regions that would quickly be exhausted without ferry service in an emergency.

Some participants highlighted challenges with small-scale goods transport – i.e. at a personal level. Particularly as foot passengers, some said that bringing luggage of any kind (including groceries) could be difficult. Suggestions to improve this included improved luggage drop-off/pick-up at either side of a route, drop boxes at popular stores that would ship to coastal communities, and dedicated shuttles.

Governance

The governance of BC’s coastal ferries was discussed extensively at some forums, with a focus


on BC Ferries and its relationship with the Government of British Columbia. Participants raised considerations regarding this relationship and some BC Ferries policies. Overall, there was a sentiment in many forums that the existing governance model has left all parties feeling somewhat confined within the decision-making process with the ultimate responsibility and authority for various processes unclear.

Support for the notion of coastal ferries being viewed as an essential service and/or part of British Columbia’s highway network was widespread. Many spoke of ferries as a ‘lifeline’ for their communities and shared concerns regarding the impacts of high costs, disrupted service, and other issues sometimes associated with ferry service. In multiple forums, people discussed the complicated relationship between the Government of British Columbia and BC Ferries. Some advocated for integrating BC Ferries into the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure portfolio – with comparisons made to BC’s inland ferries – though some also acknowledged the challenges that would be associated with doing so.

Other considerations and concerns shared included a sentiment that BC Ferries is too profit- and/or tourist-focused, and that aspects of service ranging from schedules to infrastructure design support this mandate more than transporting local residents. Some also suggested that BC Ferries should be more transparent about its policy and financial decision-making processes – from how fares are determined, to executive compensation. A small number of participants suggested exploring private options to complement BC Ferries service.

Infrastructure design

The design of ferries and supporting infrastructure (e.g. terminals) was a major topic at all forums, though the specific aspects of it varied from region to region. Infrastructure was broadly recognized as key to shaping the future of ferry service, from potential new routes to the on-ship user experience.

The importance of recognizing differences between regions and their respective needs and priorities was raised, in that the infrastructure suitable for one community may not be suitable for another. For example, between two geographically or demographically similar communities, one may be relatively self-sufficient, using ferries mostly for leisure or occasional shopping trips. The other may be reliant on ferries on a much more frequent basis in order to access crucial services such as medical care, education, or grocery stores. The infrastructure to support each of these would vary significantly.

To help accommodate this, some participants suggested that future ferries be standardized as much as possible to allow for simpler maintenance and universal training of crew. This would be done to minimize the effects of breakdowns or staff absences on reliable service. Some also suggested that ferries be designed with flexible or modular components to allow for retrofitting to be done more easily in the future. An example of this would be ferries that currently run on diesel or LNG fuels be converted to electric power from the grid once the


technology becomes feasible. Both suggestions support the broader theme of a more flexible coastal ferry system.

The idea that ferries and terminals are being designed similarly today as they were several decades ago was discussed at some forums. This was coupled with advocacy for designing for desired future use, rather than designs that support and perpetuate current use. Specifically, participants spoke to the continued design of ferries as being focused on private motor vehicle transportation. On Salt Spring Island, the new Salish class vessels were given as an example of this. Participants indicated that the vessels frequently reach their passenger capacity for sailings, rather than vehicle (deck space) capacity – leading to foot passengers being turned away. This was suggested to be evocative of the shift that is occurring toward greater foot passenger mode share, which is being held back by vehicle-focused ferry infrastructure. Many participants felt that if foot passenger ferry infrastructure (including connecting infrastructure, such as public transit) was improved, there would be a major reduction in private vehicle traffic.

Terminal infrastructure was also discussed in various capacities. While some participants spoke to specific aspects of terminal design and amenities, others focused on the potential to completely re-imagine the concept and execution of ferry terminals. Associated with this was discussion around the vehicle-centric design of most terminals, which include expansive parking lots or car waiting areas, and how this can negatively affect the foot passenger user experience and have land-use implications.

The notion of transitioning from viewing terminals as beginning and endpoints was discussed at multiple forums, and instead viewing them as hubs or connection points of larger journeys. To support this, some suggested that terminal should have limited amenities and should instead adopt drive on/drive off models, with minimal waiting times. Some also suggested avoiding ramps or complex boarding procedures and technology to support this. The possibility of integrating rail rapid transit to more terminals was discussed in multiple forums, including Vancouver and Nanaimo – in some cases making use of existing rail infrastructure.

A few participants at various forums brought up the possibility of building bridges to connect closer island and coastal communities, though in some cases, other participants expressed concerns with this approach due to economic or engineering infeasibility or potential social issues that could result. Advocates for a bridge – particularly in Haida Gwaii, Comox and Salt Spring – emphasized the stronger inter-community ties that it would create, as well as improved reliability and security compared to ferries.

Integration

Integration was one of the most significant topics discussed in all forums. Participants spoke to the need for integrated transportation infrastructure, and for integration between agencies and organizations – such as BC Ferries, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, TransLink and BC Transit working together to support seamless A-Z trips involving ferries. This includes easy connections and transfers, integrated payment options (such as a universal


Compass Card), data sharing (such as usage statistics) and straightforward, safe and not overly time-consuming use of non-private vehicle modes of travel like active transportation and public transit.

Participants discussed the importance of transportation infrastructure, and how ferry usage demand would likely climb with improved infrastructure (both ferry-related and connecting). This was frequently mentioned as being particularly important for modes other than single-occupant vehicles – such as public transit or active transportation – as supporting infrastructure is often lacking, making A-Z trips involving ferries unfeasible. For example, the lack of bike storage and difficulties bringing bikes on public transit mean that some who might otherwise cycle and take transit for most of their trip are instead required to bring their cars (or may not take ferry trips at all, if they can’t access a car). Similarly, the absence of high quality or convenient pet facilities may encourage people to take cars. There was strong support from many participants for a vision and policy that would facilitate more non-vehicle ferry use.

Improved integration between ferry service and public transit was a particularly prominent topic, with participants in many communities highlighting its importance. The specific suggestions and needs varied slightly from community to community – from Vancouver stakeholders requesting better alignment between transit and ferry schedules to those in Sechelt requesting better transit for more rural and suburban areas. In general, there was considerable support for viewing transportation as an interconnected system, and infrastructure such as bus stops, ferry terminals and park and rides as ‘hubs,’ or transfer points. Reservations and bookings

Opinions regarding reservations and bookings were mixed. While support for reservation systems of some kind was seen at most forums, the strength of this support and the form of the preferred reservation system varied considerably. Although preferred systems did vary, the needs and priorities that drove those preferences were almost universal: a desire for a system that was both reliable enough to plan travel and activities around, and flexible enough to accommodate unexpected events or emergencies.

Some participants advocated for a shift to a fully reservable model, citing the airline industry as an example. This model would see all space – either for vehicles only or vehicle and foot passenger space – made available for reservations. This contrasts with the typical reservation model for many coastal ferries today, which only allows a portion of deck space to be reserved. Proposed benefits of this model include allowing for better forecasting of demand (and, consequently, shifting resources to meet that demand) and providing certainty that one will make it on a ferry at a given time.

A smaller number of participants were firmly opposed to a fully reservable model, largely on account of concerns regarding inflexibility for local resident travel or emergency travel. Proposed solutions were to move to a nearly fully reservable system (e.g. 95%) with a small amount dedicated for last-minute or standby travel. Some also suggested giving priority to local residents or those with urgent travel needs, either as a part of this system or in general.


The fare structure for reservations was also discussed. Many people were in favour of shifting universally to a deposit-based reservation model, where instead of paying a separate fee to reserve ferry users would pre-pay a portion of their fare in order to reserve a spot. Some suggested that this pre-payment be refundable within reason (e.g. an hour before the trip) to provide greater flexibility. Concerns were raised that reservations in general – and particularly the fee-based reservation model – advantage wealthier people disproportionately and make reservations inaccessible to lower-income people or families.

In Haida Gwaii, particularly, the accuracy of the bookings system and the need for accurate updates were discussed. Participants highlighted that publicly listed amount of committed deck space is often wrong, which leads to people waiting at the terminal for standby travel as a matter of course.

Residents and tourism

The relationship between local residents and non-residents was discussed in most forums. In general, there was support for the notion of a ferry service that prioritized locals over non-locals (particularly tourists) regarding ferry access priority, fare pricing and scheduling. That said, some participants also emphasized the need for balance between meeting the needs of both groups and discussed the important role that non-locals play in providing goods, services and contributing to tourism economies in communities. Suggestions included expanded discount programs for locals, dedicating portions of deck space on each sailing to use by locals, and creating schedules that align better with the needs of communities.

Tourism was a major topic at most forums, with participants sharing input both on their own experiences using ferries as tourists and on ferry-based tourism in their communities. Tourism is key to the economies of many coastal and island communities, but the demands of tourism on the ferry system can draw resources away from residents who depend on them for day-to-day life. Some participants suggested having alternate pricing systems for tourists, such as a tourism fee to be added to all ferry fares that could be reinvested in the ferry route or the community. Participants also suggested greater numbers of sailings overall to accommodate the rising demand stemming from increased tourism, but also trying to encourage fewer peaks and valleys of tourism throughout the year by equalizing ferry schedules instead of having major seasonal shifts.

The user experience of tourists was discussed to a lesser extent, though some participants mentioned potential impacts that changes would have on tourists specifically. One topic that was discussed more extensively was a potential shift to a fully-reservable system needing to be adequately publicized so that tourists would be aware of the requirement to book in order to access island or coastal communities.

Routes and terminals

A wide range of potential new or altered routes and terminal locations were suggested. In many cases, suggestions focused on new foot passenger only service. For the most part,


participants were in favour of these potential routes being implemented seasonally if that was more feasible. Suggestions included:

• Downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria• Downtown Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver• Better inter-island Gulf Islands service (with more direct or circular – ‘milk run’ – routes)• Nanaimo to Sunshine Coast• Gibsons to downtown Vancouver• Royal Bay to downtown Victoria• Nanaimo to YVR• Mill Bay to Patricia Bay• Langdale to Squamish• Swartz Bay to Nanaimo with car service• Shifting passenger transport away from Duke Point terminal

(reserving it for commercial use)

Generally, some participants advocated for a greater number of smaller, localized routes rather than a small number of large routes (with appropriately sized infrastructure) that is more like the status quo. They also were largely in favour of reducing the number of connecting routes, where possible, to minimize unnecessary travel. For example, ferry users currently travel from the Sunshine Coast through Horseshoe Bay in order to reach Nanaimo. A direct route from the Sunshine Coast to Nanaimo would reduce demand for the Langdale to Horseshoe Bay route and on its supporting infrastructure.

Scheduling

Scheduling of ferry services was a prominent topic at most of the regional forums. Overall, participants expressed support for schedules that both better reflected modern travel patterns and lifestyles, and that better integrate with other modes of transportation.

Many participants shared concerns that current schedules are unaccommodating to people who do not work typical ‘nine-to-five’ jobs, those who participate in extracurricular activities (such as youth sports teams) and individuals who want to make connecting trips. Some Salt Spring Island, Sechelt and Comox participants mentioned the difficulty of travelling from their homes to the forum locations by ferry and being able to return on the same day as examples of these challenges.

A need for simplified scheduling was also frequently mentioned, with participants discussing the difficulty of understanding schedules that have extensive exceptions and seasonal changes. Some participants also suggested that seasonal scheduling should not overly incentivize summer travel through much higher frequency of sailings, as it encourages significant peaks and valleys in local tourism industries. Instead, they recommended slightly more consistent levels of service year-round.


Next steps

The next phase of engagement will launch in early 2020 and will feature online engagement as well as in-person meetings with local MLAs.

This next phase will inform the development of a provincial vision that will shape the future of coastal ferries in British Columbia.

a vision for coastal ferry services - govtogetherbc€¦ · 5. a vision or coastal ferry services:...

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