These are the issues:

-BC Ferries plans to replace discount ticket books with a plastic "stored value" Coast Card. This card will carry a number of products and will have an expiration date. While the products expire, the card itself is reuseable. The practice of sharing discount fares among family members will no longer be possible.

-Since July 2005 ferry fares have increased by 16.4% This inculdes the annual 4.4% fare increase plus fuel surcharges in July, December, and February. If the current trend continues by November 2006 we could see the total climb to 25%. The minor routes are required to pay significantly higher fuel surcharges than the Vancouver Island-Mainland routes.

-BC Ferries has ordered that ticket sales be cut-off one minute before sailing to ensure the vessel sails on time. This would require the vessel sail regardless of traffic conditions. The ferry may depart with deck space available and cars at the ticket booth.

-The handicapped shelter on the car deck of the Quadra ferry has been removed. BC Ferries claims they have no obligation to provide shelter for passengers unable to climb the stairs to the passenger lounge.

These are the people to write to:

David Hahn, President BC Ferries
1112 Fort Street, Victoria, V8V 4V2
David.Hahn@bcferries.com

Martin Crilly, BC Ferry Commissioner
Box 1497, Comox V9M 8A2
info@bcferrycommission.com

Hon. Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transportation
Box 9055, Stn. Prov. Gov't, Victoria V8W 9E2
kevin.falcon.mla@leg.bc.ca

Copy Letters to:

Claire Trevena--North Island MLA
908 Island Highway, Campbell River
V9W 2C3
claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca

Gary Coons--Opposition Critic for Ferries & Ports
Box 201 Parliament Building, Victoria
V8V 1X4
gary.coons.mla@leg.bc.ca

BC Ferries affects each and every one of us. It is crucial that we maintain as much pressure as possible. Your support is important.

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