Near mayhem at Tsawwassen ferry terminal as travellers endure four-sailing wait to Swartz Bay
It wasn't supposed to be this way.
Just last week, B.C. Ferries announced that it was adding 89 sailings on the Easter long weekend.
But these new trips, including 70 between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, haven't been sufficient to carry all the people showing up at terminals.
According to B.C. Ferries, pay parking has reached capacity at Horseshoe Bay and travellers are being urged to take public transit to that terminal.
Sailings from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay are 100 percent full to the 3:45 p.m. sailing. Now, the Crown-owned company is selling tickets for the 5:40 p.m. trip.
But some of the grumpiest travellers have been trying to get to Vancouver Island via the Tsawwassen terminal.
The 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. vessels to Swartz Bay are full—and the 5 p.m. boat is 90 percent full.
https://twitter.com/BCFerries/status/1119326309811933184
It could be the busiest day in the history of the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
Harried B.C. Ferries staff are trying to help passengers by travelling along the causeway and speaking to those worried about missing reservations.
https://twitter.com/CKNW/status/1119318195658272768
Below, you can see some how some people are reacting to this situation on social media.
https://twitter.com/JessicaRozitis/status/1119312931106066432
https://twitter.com/KarenGray/status/1119279259808194560
https://twitter.com/GeoffHenshaw/status/1119308265215520768
https://twitter.com/SusanSalee/status/1119296319376347136
https://twitter.com/NSSEPbernadette/status/1119300303482839040
https://twitter.com/normaloqWendy/status/1119315868146475009
https://twitter.com/jcaldert/status/1119299979829321729
Last year, transportation consultant Eric Doherty made several recommendations to the special adviser on coastal ferry service about how B.C. Ferries could address environmental issues while encouraging more foot, bus, and cycling passengers.
This could be accomplished, according to his report, by enhancing bus service and by prioritizing low-carbon modes of travel.
That included reducing foot-passenger fares relative to vehicle fares and eliminating extra fees for cyclists.
Update
B.C. Ferries put out the following tweets later this afternoon.
https://twitter.com/BCFerries/status/1119401154172026881
https://twitter.com/BCFerries/status/1119384381955739648
https://twitter.com/BCFerries/status/1119379328633122816
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