BC Ferries rate cuts will come, says transportation minister

B.C.’s transportation minister says changes to BC Ferries rates – promised in the NDP platform – are coming, just not yet.

Minister Claire Trevena said changes won’t be coming until the new year.

She said the government will present a full budget in February, which will have the rate promises factored in.

“It’s a freeze on the major routes, that’s everything from the island over to the Lower Mainland,” Trevena said.

“And we’re going to a 15 per cent reduction on all other routes. That includes all the smaller routes, any of the Gulf Islands including those up the northern routes.”

She said the changes would start next April.

Trevena said they will be reintroducing a seniors discount for weekday sailings.

A comprehensive review of BC Ferries operations will also be getting underway soon.