British Columbia is expecting a busy summer travel season this year, with Vancouver being one of 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup.
With more than 350,000 visitors expected to descend on Metro Vancouver, BC Ferries says it is planning ahead and will reveal its summer season schedule on Wednesday.
The company has come under fire from mayors whose constituencies rely on the service, especially after a spring of delays and mechanical issues.
Up to 13,000 passengers were stranded over the Easter weekend due to a number of vessel issues.
A few days later, the 45-year-old Queen of Surrey experienced a mechanical issue yet again, causing frustration among Sunshine Coast residents and travellers.
The backlash prompted Nicolas Jimenez, CEO of BC Ferries, to publicly apologize.
“Sorry for what happened this weekend. When our ships fail us, we fail our customers,” Jimenez said back then.
In an interview with 1130 NewsRadio, Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says he will be keeping tabs on the anticipated announcement on Wednesday.
“I would be looking for an outline at least, or promise, or description of a plan that says, ‘if X vessel shuts down or isn’t available, this is how we will respond. We have a plan in place. It’s very clear. We know exactly what we’re doing,’” Krog said.
Many soccer fans are expected to travel with BC Ferries to explore Vancouver Island in between matches.
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At the same time, many B.C. residents from west of the Burrard Inlet are expected to cross the Salish Sea to visit Vancouver during the tournament.
Yet, beyond the added number of tourists, Krog says the ferry operator is also crucial for commuters, especially during the summer months.
“It’s really important that BC Ferries function well this summer because we have seen an increase in unemployment in British Columbia and on the island in particular. So, we need the folks to come to support summer jobs.”
In anticipation of Wednesday’s announcement, the mayor hopes BC Ferries does not make promises it will not be able to keep, which he says makes customers angry.
“People who are planning their summer holidays in particular need certainty. It’s just like the plane to Mexico. You want to know what’s going to leave on time. So, that’s crucial.”
Krog also believes BC Ferries’s decision to host a larger press conference means they are acknowledging the public’s frustration.
– With files from Dean Recksiedler.