POWELL RIVER – New Democrat MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, Nicholas Simons is welcoming increased ferry service on two Sunshine Coast routes, reversing service cuts made by the previous BC Liberal government. The two routes set to benefit are service between Powell River and Texada Island and Earls Cove and Saltery Bay.

“For coastal communities like ours, ferry service is essential to keep connected and today’s announcement provides ample reason to celebrate,” said Simons. “Permanently reinstating sailings that were cut by the previous government will help ensure families, small business owners, and seniors have easier access travelling along two popular BC Ferry routes.”

The New Democrat government is increasing service on 10 ferry routes that were cut in 2014, restoring 2,700 round trip sailings for people living in coastal communities. These service changes come in response to the Redlin report, a comprehensive operating review of the coastal ferry service that identified opportunities to improve services under the current model.

The province will also be amending the Coastal Ferry Act to implement some of Mr. Redlin’s recommendations that will ensure the model is putting people first.

Last April, government improved ferry services by reducing fares on smaller and northern routes by 15%, freezing fares on the major routes and reinstating the 100% discount for seniors’ passenger fares.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TRAN0019-000257