BC Ferries prepares for spring break, Easter crowds

As families across the province prepare for peak spring break travel time, BC Ferries says it is in a much better position this year compared to last.

The ferry corporation struggled throughout last year with crew shortages and major mechanical and tech issues causing delays and cancellations during some peak travel periods. But Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krogg — who hasn’t held back criticism in the past — suggests it has been smooth sailing recently.

He says BC Ferries seems to have put itself in a good position, so far, as the travel season ramps up.

“All’s quiet on the western front, it is very much quiet sailing time,” Krogg told CityNews on Thursday. “We haven’t had any complaints or concerns raised by anyone about BC Ferries in many, many months. It’s a good news story for Vancouver Island, and particularly the City of Nanaimo, where we are a ferry-dependent community.”

BC Ferries points to a year-long hiring blitz and other changes for the relatively problem-free start to 2024.

“We’re making significant progress on the crewing side. In the last year, we have hired 1,200 people, which is the most in any one period in the company’s history,” said BC Ferries spokesperson Jeff Groot.

“We’re seeing the results of that success. In our last quarter, Q3, we’ve seen those cancellations due to crewing drop 37 per cent compared to the same time last year. We’re having a lot of success in being able to keep those boats sailing and keep our customers moving.”

Groot adds BC Ferries has also adjusted its maintenance schedules to try to better prepare its fleet for peak travel season.

“You can never anticipate when you’re going to have a breakdown. What we can do is plan for it, and that’s what we’ve been doing, not only for spring break but for peak season,” he said.

More sailings, changes to maintenance schedules

Groot says changes have been made in how the corporation performs ship refits.

“Every year, about 20 of our ferries go through the normal refit process. What we’ve done this year is shrink that period so that we can get all of them done and in tip-top shape in time for the end of May, so that they are ready for our summer season when we really do see that significant, extended demand.”

BC Ferries has added an additional 180 sailings on its major routes over the next two weeks to help with spring break and Easter weekend crowds.

“We’re actually expecting an 11-per-cent increase in the number of passengers we will be hosting over this period. We are anticipating almost 430,000 people will travel with us, up from just under 390,000 last year,” said Groot.

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Meanwhile, Krogg hopes it will remain smooth sailing into the summer.

“The ferry is crucial for us … most people are coming to the Island on BC Ferries and our goods, our food, come by ferry so it’s incredibly important — even more so when you consider we are one one of the five fastest-growing regions in the country. The dependability of BC Ferries is crucial to Nanaimo’s economy, to our tourism, and to our lifestyle.”

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