BC Ferries has recently begun work on critical infrastructure upgrades at their Horseshoe Bay terminal, which has prompted the company to cease taking onsite payments.
Until the upgrades are complete, reservations and online payments will be required.
This change has been implemented due to the now ongoing upgrades, which has reduced the available vehicle space at the terminal by 25%.
“This change is necessary to manage terminal capacity, prevent highway congestion and protect access for those who need to travel,” wrote BC Ferries regarding the changes.
“We recognize this is a significant shift and are committed to supporting customers every step of the way. These changes are about keeping people moving safely while we upgrade one of our busiest and most space-constrained terminals.”
Although drive-up fares are no longer available for motorcycles, commercial vehicles and tour operators, it is still available for walk-on passengers.
Additionally, BC Ferries noted that this change is only one-way— impacting those travelling from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay.
To help ferry-commuters navigate this change, BC Ferries has enabled booking alerts for those booking travel between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay. This addition will allow commuters to subscribe to email notifications to find out when space becomes available on previously sold out sailings.
Furthermore, they will be introducing a waitlist feature before the end of the year for sailings in both directions between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay. This will give commuters a better chance of securing a spot when their preferred sailing is at capacity.
The upgrades at the Horseshoe Bay terminal are in regards to aging infrastructure that was built in the 1960s. Work is being started this fall, but the upgrades are expected to take around five years to complete.
BC Ferries has prepared a video to advise commuters what to expect during construction. See the video below:
