VICTORIA — B.C. Ferries has announced a rate hike in passenger and vehicle fares, effective April 1, 2013.
This is the first of three planned fare increases, approved by B.C. Ferry commissioner Gord Macatee in October, 2012.
On April 1, prices for vehicles and passengers will go up, on average, 4.1 per cent on all routes. The fare for a Swartz Bay to Tsawassen trip will go up to $15.50 per adult passenger, from the current fare of $14.85.
The same trip for a vehicle up to 20 feet will go from $49.25 to $51.25.
Fees for reservations made less than seven days in advance will increase by one dollar. Reservations made a week or more in advance will still cost $15.
Assured loading tickets will increase by $100 for 10.
Additional fare hikes are expected in 2014 (4 per cent) and in 2015 (3.9 per cent).
B.C. Ferries stated the increases “are required due to the rising cost of operating and capital expenditures.”