Here’s what BC’s major political parties are promising for BC Ferries ahead of the election

With BC’s provincial election approaching, BC Ferries has become a focus on the campaign trail, with three major political parties announcing plans to improve service.

For Vancouver Island residents, ferry travel is a regular part of life, whether it’s heading to the mainland, travelling for medical appointments or visiting family.

And with ongoing concerns about sailing cancellations, long waits and availability, the parties are offering different ideas about how to improve the system.

Here’s what the BC NDP, BC Conservatives and BC Greens are promising ahead of the October 24th election.

BC NDP: Priority ferry reservations for local residents

BC NDP leader David Eby announced a new proposal on Saturday, October 10th, that would give residents of ferry-dependent communities priority access to certain reservations.

Under the proposed pilot program, 12% of advance reservation space would be set aside for local residents.

That would include:

• 10% of advance booking space reserved for locals until four days before a sailing
• An additional 2% reserved for locals until 24 hours before departure

The pilot would initially operate on two routes: Horseshoe Bay to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast and Little River (Comox) to Westview (Powell River).

The party says it would then work with BC Ferries and other coastal communities to explore similar improvements elsewhere.

The proposal does not currently include the busy Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen route.

Eby said the goal is to make ferry travel more accessible for people who depend on the service for everyday needs, while continuing to accommodate tourists.

BC Conservatives: Better reliability, accountability and Wi-Fi

BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson announced his party’s ferry plan on Sunday, October 11th, with a focus on improving reliability and holding BC Ferries management accountable.

The Conservatives are promising to establish a new BC Ferries Charter that would set clear standards for on-time performance, sailing capacity, affordability and customer service.

The party says it would also reduce duplication at the board level and hold BC Ferries leadership accountable for meeting those standards.

Another part of the plan involves bringing reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi to major ferry routes and terminals.

The Conservatives say the service would be delivered through competitive private-sector contracts using satellite or cellular technology, without additional costs being passed on through fares or taxes.

The party is also promising to negotiate with Ottawa for additional federal ferry funding.

Ryan Windsor, the Conservative candidate for Saanich North and the Islands, said ferry service is particularly important for people living on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands.

The Conservatives have not outlined a specific timeline for implementing the charter or introducing the proposed Wi-Fi improvements.

BC Greens: More ferries, local shipbuilding and improved funding

BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan announced her party’s transportation commitments on Friday, October 9, including plans to expand ferry services across the province.

The Greens are promising to work with the federal government to secure additional funding for BC Ferries, seeking funding arrangements comparable to those available in Atlantic Canada.

The party also wants to review how BC Ferries is governed and funded over the long term.

Other commitments include expanding ferry terminal and dock infrastructure, planning for electric ferries, and building and maintaining more vessels locally.

The Greens say local shipbuilding could also create employment opportunities while supporting the province’s transportation system.

Their transportation platform goes beyond ferries, with commitments to improve public transit and work with First Nations and the Island Corridor Foundation on the future of passenger rail on Vancouver Island.

The party has not announced specific ferry routes that would receive additional sailings or a timeline for expanding the fleet.

What does this mean for Vancouver Island travellers?

While all three parties are promising changes to BC Ferries, their latest announcements focus on different areas.

The BC NDP is proposing a specific reservation pilot aimed at improving access for residents of two ferry-dependent communities.

The BC Conservatives are focusing on operational performance, accountability and improved onboard connectivity.

Meanwhile, the BC Greens are emphasizing long-term infrastructure, fleet expansion, local shipbuilding and federal funding.

For travellers using the Swartz Bay–Tsawwassen route, none of these three announcements establishes a specific new sailing schedule or a fare reduction.

British Columbians head to the polls on Saturday, October 24th.