B.C.'s new ferry commissioner is examining how BC Ferries rates are set and how the changes affect travellers in coastal communities.
The review by Gord Macatee, who was appointed commissioner on May 1, comes less than two months after the province raised objections to fare hikes approved by the previous commissioner.
Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom said on April 1 that he would review a plan to grant increases of four per cent on major routes each year for the next three years, and eight per cent on minor routes.
Lekstrom said the increases were too high, especially for families whose budgets are strained.
Macatee says he will look for better ways to balance the needs of travellers with BC Ferries finances, including the fare structure.
He says people are telling him they expect a system with fare increases are reasonable, affordable and predictable.
