A few weeks ago in a Black Press Media editorial, we urged people to give BC Ferries a break because the demand for services is higher than ever and ferries are mechanical and can be prone to breaking down.
But there’s a lot more going on – or actually not going on – at BC Ferries, the public has discovered during recent weekends.
Nicolas Jimenez, the new CEO of BC Ferries, talked confidently when he took over the position in March of this year that he was going to fix all the problems encountered. He probably found out the hard way rather quickly there are no easy fixes and has backed away from his strong stance since, saying it could take years to cure all of BC Ferries’ ills.
That means it might never get any better than it is now due to staffing issues, a higher volume of traffic and the continued deterioration of the vessels.
One of our astute readers, Tom Hockin, recently noted there has been very few problems with the two Spirit class ferries, both built in B.C. On the other hand, there’s been constant problems with the two Coastal class ferries, both built overseas.
That might be a good starting point for Jimenez for future ship-building contracts to perhaps look at home first even if the price winds up being slightly higher. The cost in the long run might be worth it for better quality.
A system that’s actually caused more problems than it’s solved is how reservations are handled. Frankly, we’d be better off without it. First come, first served.
When you arrive at the terminal and get in the queue, you’ll be loaded in order. It might keep things moving more smoothly.
People are abusing the reservation system, sometimes booking two consecutive sailings when they’re not sure which one they can make. That just causes congestion for everyone else—something the reservation system was supposed to solve.
It might be surprising how trashing the system could reduce wait times, rather than lengthening them, like it has done now.
That will take away a significant amount of money pouring into BC Ferries coffers now for the extra cost, but they’ll manage
Achieving smooth sailing will require a few remedial measures to preserve everyone’s sanity.
— Black Press Media