Dear Editor,
Bowen Island’s Municipal Transportation Advisory Committee (BIMTAC) met with BCFerries (BCF) on May 13th. The discussion was wide-ranging, but some specific issues deserve attention.
BIMTAC asked, and BCF agreed, that we should collectively review the existing schedule, particularly as it concerns reduced service on weekends. After discussions to be held over the summer, BIMTAC will seek public input from Bowen islanders, before any changes are made.
BIMTAC emphasized that the vehicle capacity of replacement vessels such as the Bowen Queen is not an adequate replacement vessel for the Bowen run. The next scheduled refit is in early 2017. We will be pressing BCF for additional vehicle capacity for that refit.
There are still major issues concerning the interconnection of the #257 bus with ferry arrivals and departures. BCF is adamant that the 10 minute cut-off rule must be maintained. BIMTAC believes that some gains can be made by improving the ticketing process. This subject has not been resolved – it will likely continue over the next few months. BIMTAC is discussing bus arrival times with Translink.
BIMTAC asked for a table of sailings when forecast tide conditions do not permit use of the passenger lounge level access at HSB, so that people with strollers, suitcases, walkers, etc. can avoid those sailings when foot passengers have to use the sun deck. BCF has not, as yet, provided this, but those with access to tide tables can assume that when the tide is below 6 feet (above datum at Point Atkinson) the second floor access will not be available.
With the additional 18% vehicle capacity of the Capilano, loading and unloading times are increased, even though the schedule is effectively constrained to the one-hour turn around in the current schedule. The ferry is not always loaded to capacity in both directions, but the consequent delays can add up over the day. BCF is trying to improve its on-time performance, and told us they aim to depart on schedule, even at the cost of leaving one or two vehicles behind, rather than try to squeeze in the last car. In our opinion, this is a hollow objective, given that Bowen sailings are sometimes delayed by having to wait for other vessels coming in and out of HSB.
But Bowen islanders can improve things as well – we do not always park close enough to the vehicle in front of us, which means less available deck space for others; BCF will not spend time trying to load vehicles to make more efficient use of deck space. Bowen islanders must help: we also are not well organized during the foot passenger loading and unloading at Snug Cove. Students, in particular, straggle on and off, adding precious minutes to the ferry turn around. BIMTAC will be working to establish better awareness among islanders. Achieving two-lane loading in Snug Cove would also speed things up and getting large trucks to fold their mirrors would help.
BIMTAC mentioned concern from drivers who prefer not to park on the gallery decks and we were advised that such individuals should display a clear “No Ramp” sign in their windshield.
BCF was advised that there is concern about the condition and appearance of the Plexiglas shelter in Snug Cove. This too will take some time to resolve; BCF is expecting input from the community, via BIMTAC, as to what our preferences might be.
Sincerely,
Adam Holbrook
BIMTAC Chair
