NDP pitches locals-first ferry bookings as Conservatives promise a BC Ferries charter

The B.C. NDP on Sunday proposed a pilot reserving 12 per cent of booking space for local residents on two ferry routes, while the B.C. Conservatives promised a BC Ferries Charter and onboard Wi-Fi, CHEK News reported.

Under the NDP pilot, 10 per cent of advance booking space would be held for locals up to four days before sailing and another two per cent until 24 hours before departure, on the Westview–Little River and Horseshoe Bay–Langdale routes. "Ferries are not a luxury for coastal communities; they are critical infrastructure," Eby said.

Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson said his party's charter would set standards for reliability, on-time performance, capacity, affordability and customer service, and hold BC Ferries leadership accountable.

The Conservatives also promised to negotiate for B.C.'s share of federal ferry funding and to bring high-speed Wi-Fi to major routes and terminals.