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BC Ferries
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BC Ferries provides service on 25 routes along the coast of British Columbia,
Canada. It is the primary provider of coastal ferry transportation in the province. A detailed map showing
all BC Ferries' routes can be downloaded here.
Governance
The B.C. Ferry Authority is a no-share-capital corporation created under the Coastal Ferry Act (British Columbia). It is the owner of the single issued voting share of British Columbia Ferry
Services Inc. ("BC Ferries"), a Company incorporated in British Columbia, which is subject to the Business Corporations
Act (British Columbia).
BC Ferries’ routes and service levels are defined in the Coastal Ferry Services
Contract between the Province of British Columbia and BC Ferries. The contract, originally signed in 2003, is a binding
60-year agreement that is reviewed and updated at regular intervals (performance terms).
The
first renewal of the Coastal Ferry Services Contract was completed on June 30, 2007 for performance term two (April 1, 2008
- March 31, 2012). There were four amendments made to the contract in performance term one. An unofficial consolidated
working copy of the contract has been prepared for reference. This Unofficial Consolidated Contract comprises the original contract and the changes arising from the four amendments. Please note that the unofficial
contract is for ease of reference only and is not a legal document.
BC Ferries' fares
and core service levels are overseen by an Independent Regulator (British Columbia Ferry Commissioner) who is appointed by the Province of British Columbia.
In
October 2010, the BC Ferry Commission received BC Ferries’ submission of data
for the current price cap review under section 40 of the Coastal Ferry Act. This
data forms part of the information which is to used by the Commission to make a preliminary ruling on the maximum allowed
ferry fares (or price caps) in the period 2012 through 2016, which is called the third performance term. At the same
time, the company filed an efficiency plan which
describes the steps it proposes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations through 2016.
The Commission has engaged technical advisors to assist in examining BC Ferries’ submission.
After the Commission’s preliminary ruling on price caps, which is due by March 31, 2011, there will be a three-month
period for public comment. Here is a timeline
of the main steps in the price cap review. BC Ferries’ submission includes the
effect of the remission of federal import duty, announced October 1, 2010, which it paid on four vessels which were built
offshore.
Copies of BC Ferries' latest Annual Report and Business Plan are available in pdf format. Quarterly management reports and financial statements are available on the BC Ferries website.
Public Consultation
BC Ferries has an active public consultation program directed
at ensuring that their service meets the needs of its communities and customers. The program has four major components:
Freedom of Information
Effective October 1, 2010, BC
Ferries will be responding to Freedom of Information requests in accordance with legislation passed by the Province
of British Columbia. BC Ferries website tells you more about the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and what is involved in submitting
Freedom of Information requests to BC Ferries.
The BC Ferries website includes details of how to make a request for information, what it will cost, and what records can be requested. All Freedom of Information requests (other than requests for personal infoemation) are published, together with BC Ferries'
response, on the Tracker Page.
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