Soaring fuel prices are pushing BC Ferries to hit passengers with a new fuel surcharge earlier than expected.
BC Ferries President David Hahn says the increases could come in August instead of the fall, and will range from eight per cent on the major routes between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and up to 20 per cent on the smaller runs.
Hahn says fuel surcharges are inevitable -- and ferry passengers aren't the only ones being hit.
"Ferries is just one aspect of other transportation being impacted," he said.
"I think the actual car is probably more difficult on people at home -- and next winter, heating your home is going to be an even bigger issue."
When it takes effect, this will be the latest in a series of fuel surcharges that BC Ferries has imposed since July of 2005.
Last April, regular fares jumped 7.3 per cent on the major routes and an average of four per cent on the remaining routes, also partly because of rising fuel costs.
BC Ferries is keeping a close eye on ridership. If there is a decline after the Canada Day long weekend, prices could continue to go up.
CTV has already revealed a six per cent rider decline in April on all major routes -- that's 128,000 fewer customers.
With immense pressure to cover costs, some incremental sailings could be dropped. BC Ferries is relying on a warm summer and its new fuel-efficient fleet to maintain ridership.
"We would expect when we redeploy those and get rid of some of the older vessels, we would save seven million litres a year in fuel," Hahn explained.
"While that sounds like a lot, the current price of fuel needs to go down for there to be a real impact."
If fuel prices drop, Hahn promises the surcharge will too.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Reshmi Nair and the Canadian Press
