Many BC Ferries passengers are looking for improved Wi-fi, expanded pet areas, and more food choices, according to the latest round of community feedback.
In March, BC Ferries launched an online survey inviting the public to share their input on how to design their 5 new vessels.
See also: BC Ferries is looking for your input on how to design their 5 new vessels
The survey focused on nine topic areas: accessibility, pedestrians and cyclists, pet spaces, outdoor spaces, food and beverage, family spaces, new amenities, technology, environmental sustainability, and future flexibility.
In total, over 11,300 British Columbians took the survey, with the main requests being for more space and amenities for pet owners, improved Wi-fi connection, more fresh food options.
Passengers were also interested in improved bicycle storage, more ‘quiet areas’ away from noise and technology, and a wider range of seating options.
“We’re excited about how many customers participated in these conversations and the ideas we heard on how we can improve their experience while travelling with us,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO in a statement.
“We look forward to taking the feedback we heard, along with the results from our technical studies, to inform the design requirements for these new ferries.”
See also:
- BC Ferries’ summer discounts for Vancouver Island kick in next week
- Coastal Naturalists are returning to BC Ferries starting tomorrow
The community feedback collected by the transportation organization will be used to help build at least four new vessels for the BC Ferries fleet, which will be used to replace four currently used ships.
The four ships being replaced are the Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Alberni, Queen of Coquitlam, and Queen of Cowichan, which all service Vancouver Island – Metro Vancouver Routes.
The upcoming replacement vessels, which are expected to enter service in the mid 2020s, will likely increase capacity along these popular routes, according to BC Ferries.
With the first round of public engagement now completed, BC Ferries plans to launch a second survey later this year. The next round of feedback will focus on environmental sustainability and vessel flexibility for accommodating future travel demands.
Further information about BC Ferries’ public engagements and upcoming vessels can be found online here.
#BCFNews
More than 10,000 customers have participated in our new major vessel engagement so far this year.
We are committed to incorporating your feedback & considerations as we look to add four new ferries to the fleet by the mid 2020's. Learn more: https://t.co/A4Za44a96t ^ag pic.twitter.com/dQqVXFcDPZ— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) August 8, 2019
