BC Ferries says it’s scrapping reservation fees for people who must take a ferry to access medical specialist appointments not available in their communities.
The move, which will waive the traditional $18 fee to book a reservation, will apply to people who qualify for B.C.’s Travel Assistance Program (TAP).
The TAP program covers transportation costs for B.C. patients travelling for non-emergency treatment not available where they live.
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Such medical travellers will need to obtain a TAP form from their doctor, nurse or clinic along with a TAP confirmation number from Health Insurance BC in order to have their booking fee waived.
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The program is estimated to cost BC Ferries between $250,000 and $300,000 per year in foregone revenue.
The company says more than 300,000 people used the TAP program on ferries in 2022.
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