July 25/08

The BC Ferry Commissioner announced Wednesday that he has approved the implementation of a fuel surcharge on fares charged by BC Ferries. The surcharge will help offset the company’s continued rising cost of fuel.

Effective Friday, August 1, 2008, a fuel surcharge of 10.3 per cent for major routes connecting Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland, 17.6 per cent on the minor routes servicing the Southern and Northern Gulf Islands, and 9.2 per cent on the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale route will be applied to all fares. BC Ferries’ northern routes will not be subject to a fuel surcharge at this time.

BC Ferries’ annual fuel cost was $45.9 million in 2003 and $86.8 million in 2008. If record high fuel prices continue, BC Ferries projects its 2008/09 fuel costs could be $140 million.

The Commissioner’s Memorandum 24A approving the August 1 fuel surcharge is available at www.bcferrycommission.com under “Rulings”.

BC Ferrie's Customer Contact:

Victoria: (250) 386-3431

Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)