For all the criticism it receives, there’s one big factor that’s beyond BC Ferries’ control. Overpopulation.
There’s simply way too many people taxing our transportation infrastructure and that’s particularly true with ferries.
There’s only so much capacity and we’ve clearly reached it based on continuing logjams at ferry terminals both on the Island and the Lower Mainland. Short of putting a massive cruise ship size vessel on the routes capable of handling 10,000 people at once, the situation isn’t going to change any time soon.
BC Ferries can only take so many vehicles and cars on each trip with the vessels it currently has in service. And if more and more people continue to show up and push the limits, guess what’s going to happen? No one is going anywhere fast.
Sure, extra sailings are usually added to handle some of the overload and keep everyone moving as quickly as possible. The Canada Day long weekend was unfortunately marked by the elimination of extra sailings due to a mechanical refit taking longer than expected.
People have to realize with any mode of transportation, mechanical issues can surface at any time. The fact it frequently happens on a long weekend is just a terrible coincidence.
So knowing it’s going to be an extremely busy time and the potential is there for long waits at the ferry terminal, why do people continue to travel on long weekends? If there’s an option for another time mid-week or later in the evening that doesn’t include a holiday, why not take it?
People are naive knowing this information fully ahead of time and they take their chances, only to complain bitterly about the inevitable result. We’re at the point where, again, due to the massive population growths of this region plus tourist traffic, you can count on it being busy all the time and ferries departing with plenty of vehicles left behind.
It’s a fact of life now, just like it is in B.C. Parks where there are too many people vying for the same finite space for recreational activities.
There is no real solution other than patience and if you test the limits and it doesn’t work out, you only have yourself to blame.
@chemainusnews
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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