It’s going to cost more to ride on BC Ferries.
BC Ferries says it will increase the fuel surcharge from 1.0 per cent to 2.5 per cent on June 1 due to current market conditions.
That means an increase of 45 cents for an adult and $2 for a vehicle and driver on the Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island routes, and 25 cents for an adult and $1.05 for a vehicle and driver on inter-island routes.
When fuel prices are lower, BC Ferries passes lower fuel prices on to customers through a fuel rebate, the company said.
When fuel prices are higher, BC Ferries charges a fuel surcharge specifically designed to cover the additional cost of fuel. There have also been periods with neither. “The company does not benefit financially from surcharges or rebates,” BC Ferries said.
BC Ferries has made significant investments to reduce its consumption of fuel and use cleaner, lower cost fuels, such as liquefied natural gas to replace the use of ultra-low sulphur diesel fuels. The company is also introducing battery-equipped ships designed for future full electric operation when shore charging infrastructure can be installed in B.C.
Despite initiatives to burn fuel more efficiently, a fuel surcharge is necessary at this time, BC Ferries added.
