B.C. Ferries to get new vessel; says making customers happy

VANCOUVER — B.C. Ferries says the number of satisfied customers served increased steadily over the last year.

According to a recent customer satisfaction survey, 88 per cent of customers stated they were satisfied with the service — up from 82% the previous year.

In July, B.C. Ferries received approval from the British Columbia Ferry Commissioner for an extraordinary price cap increase that provides for a fuel surcharge of, on average, 4% for major routes connecting Vancouver Island to the mainland and 6 percent on all other routes.

President and CEO David L. Hahn also announced that B.C. Ferries has signed a letter of intent with Vancouver Shipyards of the Washington Marine Group regarding construction of an intermediate-size vessel to replace the 45-year-old Queen of Tsawwassen.

A final agreement with Vancouver Shipyards is subject to the successful conclusion of contract negotiations and satisfaction of a number of conditions, including full federal government support under the structured financing facility program, said Hahn.

“Revitalizing the fleet, the ongoing safety of the service and providing more choice for customers has been essential in moving the company forward,” said Hahn. “We do have significant challenges with the increasing cost of fuel. As a result, we will likely apply to the British Columbia Ferry Commissioner to implement a second fuel surcharge if world fuel prices continue at today’s levels.”

For a copy of the reports tabled at the 2005 annual meeting, visit B.C. Ferries website at www.bcferries.com/about/annualmeeting.