A long-anticipated study on the impact of rising ferry fares is putting a number on the damage to the BC economy.
The report, commissioned by the Union of BC Municipalities and the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities, ties reduced passenger numbers directly to rising fares.
And it says those fare increases have resulted in a $2.3 billion reduction in British Columbia’s GDP over a ten year period.
Campbell River councillor Claire Moglove is part of the UBCM executive. She says the study adds a new dimension to the ferry debate.
“The release of this report provides an opportunity to re-think the policies that direct the funding of BC Ferries,” says UBCM President Rhona Martin. “This study demonstrates a clear link between fare increases and declining ridership, and the cost of those fare increases to the provincial economy.
The UBCM is planning to discuss the report at its convention later this month, but they’re already calling for the province to restore fares and service to 2013 levels.
Read the full study here:
