Though it is still advising everyone to avoid non-essential travel, BC Ferries has added some extra sailings over the holiday season to deal with expected increased demand.
BC Ferries has added 24 sailings to its winter schedule between Dec. 18 and Jan. 3 to handle increased commercial traffic and people who still need to travel.
“Last year we added more than 170 extra sailings over the holidays,” said BC Ferries spokeswoman Astrid Chang.
Chang said commercial traffic, moving parcels and supplies between the B.C. mainland and the islands, has been as strong or stronger across all routes compared with the same time last year.
Regular ferry traffic remains well below typical levels at this time of year.
Chang said vehicle traffic is down about 50 per cent and passenger traffic is off 70 per cent.
“This is a different year for all of us,” she said.
“BC Ferries’ priority is the health and safety of our customers and employees, and the company will strictly adhere to provincial and federal guidelines.”
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has called for only essential travel – for work, medical care and supplies — in the province and beyond.
In step with Henry’s orders, BC Ferries has advised all customers to avoid non-essential travel during the holiday period.
It has cautioned all travellers that priority will be given to essential goods, groceries and packages, that travellers must wear face coverings while on board, physical distancing must be observed and passengers should arrive an hour before sailing as Transport Canada COVID-19 screening is in effect and can delay boarding.
Chang said BC Ferries is closely monitoring traffic levels and making adjustments as needed.
“In some cases, we are removing some of those extra sailings to better match capacity with demand,” she said.
