The province is making sure thatĀ fares for BC Ferries stay affordable through the pandemic recovery, and that essential ferry service is maintained.
BC Ferries is now eligible for federal bailout funding to help weather the pandemic, through the new Safe Restart Agreement.
In late May, BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins saidĀ BC Ferries lost about 80 percent of its traffic in about 10 days.
He added that the ferry system was losing about $1 million a day because traffic was so low.
Federal infrastructure minister Catherine McKenna says āBritish Columbians from all corners of the province rely on BC Ferries for safe transit to get to work, visit loved ones and explore B.C.ā
She added that the Safe Restart Agreement āwill ensure BC Ferries continues to provide these essential services.ā
B.C. transportation minister Claire Trevena said ensuring BC Ferries eligibility for the funding reflects the āprovinceās shared values on the importance of our transit and ferry systems to the health of B.C. communities.ā
āThis is another example of the positive relationship we have with the federal government. By working together in response to the impacts of COVID-19, we can ensure essential transportation is available to support a safe restart of the B.C. economy,ā Trevena added.
āThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an unprecedented challenge for our province, including our essential transportation agencies,ā Trevena said. āAs we work towards a funding relief decision, I expect BC Ferries to focus its attention on priority areas of public interest, including restoring service levels, keeping fares affordable, and delivering a safe and responsible restart from the pandemic.ā
The province has earmarked up to $1 billion of additional provincial spending targeted to addressing COVID-19 impacts and restart plans of local governments and public transportation services. This funding is conditional on matching federal contributions, with 50-50 cost-sharing under Canadaās Safe Restart Agreement.
