The BC Ferries is set to raise rates by between nine per cent and 18 per cent starting August 1st. The move follows a BC Ferry Commission decision to approve the increase, which aims to cover the cost of rising fuel prices.
Fares on the three major routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island will rise by 10.3 per cent and fees on 18 minor routes will go up 17. 6 per cent, while the fare on the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route servicing the Sunshine Coast jumps 9.2 per cent.
Only the company's northern routes have been spared from the rising fares.
B.C. Ferries started tacking on fuel surcharges in 2005.
Spokeswoman Deborah Marshall says it's unfortunate that the high fuel prices have to be passed on to customers, but she says the company has seen its fuel costs rise from $45 million five years ago to $140 million this fiscal year.
With a report by The Canadian Press.
