Advertisement

More BC Ferries confusion as website error shows nine-sailing wait

Click to play video: 'More BC Ferries confusion as website error shows nine-sailing wait'
More BC Ferries confusion as website error shows nine-sailing wait
BC Ferries often urges its customers to "go to the website" for the latest information on current conditions. Problem is that information today, at least between Tsawwassen and Swartz bay, was wildly inaccurate. People cancelled travel plans or scrambled to other terminals, all for nothing. Christa Dao reports on the confusion and what the company claims caused it – Jul 26, 2023

There was more chaos and confusion on BC Ferries on Tuesday as the service grappled with more website problems and conflicting reports of long delays.

Earlier in the day, the company’s website indicated a nine-sailing wait for passengers travelling on the key Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay (Metro Vancouver-Victoria) route.

Click to play video: 'BC Ferries CEO reacts to long weekend travel woes'
BC Ferries CEO reacts to long weekend travel woes

However, the company later said that information was incorrect, and that its website was displaying inaccurate information.

Story continues below advertisement

The company said travellers were actually facing a one-sailing wait on the route.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

BC Ferries said the incorrect information was the result of people not showing up for reservations, but acknowledged the company needed todo a better job of manually overriding the system with up-to-date, correct information.

“I am empathetic to the frustration that some of our customers are feeling and just thank them for their patience, and know that we are doing everything we can to ensure that they have the right tools and with accurate information that they need in order to have an enjoyable voyage,” spokesperson Karen Johnston said.

That solution may not work for all passengers due to recent changes to the social media platform. Under the changes, people without an account can view individual tweets, but not view an organization’s Twitter page or its timeline.

Click to play video: 'BC Ferries ship refit will cause long weekend delays'
BC Ferries ship refit will cause long weekend delays

The problems come as the company continues to grapple with mechanical issues with the Coastal Celebration.

Story continues below advertisement

The vessel, which was out of commission over the busy Canada Day long weekend, returned to dry dock this week due to more problems with its propulsion system.

BC Ferries said it was running three vessels on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route, but that space was limited for vehicle passengers who do not have a reservation.

Travellers were being encouraged to consider alternate routes between Vancouver Island and the mainland such as the Tsawwassen-Duke Point (Nanaimo) and Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay (Nanaimo) routes.

Sponsored content

AdChoices