North Island MLA Claire Trevena has released a report on her recent fact-finding trip to Washington State to see how it runs coastal ferries.
The NDP’s transportation critic toured the state ferry system in October and the biggest difference, in her view, is that it’s treated as part of the road system.
“Washington State’s ferry system is by no means perfect, and it is facing many of the same challenges and rising expenses that our system is facing,” Trevena said in a news releasee. “But there is a key difference, and that is the acceptance in Washington State that ferries are extensions of the highway system. They are even referred to as ‘mobile bridges’.”
The local MLA found the no-frills Washington ferries far more affordable than BC Ferries. That, she said, means more riders which helps support coastal communities and their economies.
In contrast, BC Ferries higher fares and fewer sailings are hurting island communities and families on budgets.
Trevena’s report is available online at http://bit.ly/17ZjCvc