Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone has issued the following statement on today’s announcement by BC Ferries of a tariff increase and fuel rebate effective April 1, 2016:

“Ferry passengers will see no change to the cost of taking a ferry on April 1 thanks to the benefit of low fuel prices, which will offset the annual fare increase of 1.9%. BC Ferries’ announcement this morning is good news for their customers and for the communities that rely on our coastal ferry service.

“We know the importance of fare affordability to coastal communities. Over the last number of years, we have worked closely with BC Ferries to control costs and find efficiencies. The work we’ve done and important decisions we’ve made together have paid off, with the BC ferry commissioner setting price caps of 1.9% for each of the next four years – the lowest they’ve been in a decade.

“And now because of the collective work that’s been done to limit the pressure on fares, BC Ferries can fully offset this year’s 1.9% fare increase by passing along the fuel savings.

“The rebound in BC Ferries’ traffic numbers also continues. Since April 2015, both vehicle traffic and passenger traffic are up by about 4% compared to the same period the year before. With lower fuel prices and the low Canadian dollar continuing to attract American tourists, we are encouraged that this trend will continue.

“The government has kept its fiscal house in order and remains focused on our long-term vision to connect coastal communities in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner.”