If you don't think BC Ferry Services Inc. should be hiking fares by an extra 6 per cent, now is the time to make your views known.
The BC Ferry Commissioner announced this week that he will accept public input on the fare hike until Jan. 5, after BC Ferry Services applied for another fuel surcharge - its second application in less than a year.
BC Ferries wants increases of about 2.5-percent on the three major routes and 6-percent on all other routes, including the ones here. The company says it needs the extra money to cover higher fuel costs expected in the future.
Ferries already received the green light in July to add a 6-percent fuel surcharge to each ticket.
North Coast MLA Gary Coons called the new application "another attack on coastal communities" and urged islanders to e-mail the commissioner opposing the increase. Mr. Coons said he will also be making a detailed submission himself. (Islanders who do write in should send a copy of their comments to Mr. Coons at gary.coons.mla@leg.bc.ca)
BC Ferries' full surcharge application is available on the Ferry Commission web site (bcferrycommission.com).
Comments on the application must be made by Jan. 5 to info@bcferrycommission.com or by fax to 250-339-2753.