It's no joke -- British Columbians are being hit with a handful of rate increases on April 1, from their hydro bills to ferry fares to fuel.
The majority of Metro Vancouver motorists will be most impacted by the two cents-per-litre gas tax hike voted in last year to help pay for the long-awaited Evergreen Line, as well as major road improvements, cycling infrastructure and transit improvements.
The increase is expected to generate $32-$45 million annually for the projects.
Effective Sunday, BC Hydro rates are also jumping 3.9 per cent, and the "Rate Rider" surcharge is doubling from 2.5 per cent to five.
The company estimates the average residential customer's bill will go up $5 per month between the two increases, or $70 per year.
Ferry riders are also being hit as BC Ferries increases passenger and vehicle fares by 4.15 per cent on all routes across the fleet.
From Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, for example, a passenger fare will increase 65 cents to $14.85, and a passenger vehicle charge will increase $2 to $49.25.
The company blames the increase on rising operating costs and capital expenditures, along with lower than anticipated ferry traffic.
Victoria transit riders will also see the cost of fare cards increase by three per cent.
