|
Post by Nickfro on May 21, 2008 13:58:25 GMT -8
I think they could run a bus that waits for a late ferry. Yes, it would have to travel to the terminal on its scheduled time, in order for passengers to catch it to Duke Point. But since they only run ferries at every 2.5 hours on Route 30, waiting for a late ferry seems viable to me. It can be a simple route that runs to and from the downtown area, or where the nearest transit hub is in that area.
It doesn't make much sense to me for a bus to meet the 515am and the arrival of the 1045pm sailing, but the rest of them make sense.
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,172
|
Post by Neil on May 21, 2008 16:07:01 GMT -8
Apologies to Hardy, who introduced this thread as a discussion on Coast Savers, and not so much on the foot-friendliness of route 30, but first...
Criticizing route 30 for the inconvenience to foot passengers seems a bit like slagging BC Place as a poor venue for hockey. 30 was never really intended for foot passengers; it was introduced mainly for commercial traffic, and for people from metro Vancouver's southern areas and the Fraser Valley destined for anywhere between the Cowichan Valley and north island. I agree- every major terminal should be served by transit, although Duke Point will probably never be the foot traffic point that Departure Bay is.
And is route 30 really that under used? The latest fiscal report shows that 18.5% of sailings were overloaded. Out of BC Ferries' 26 or so routes, route 30 ranks 8th in terms of capacity utilized. It is close to breaking even. There is a lot of unused capacity and room for growth, which is where the 'coast savers' program comes in.
A car and two passengers is only $35, as opposed to the usual $82, which is a pretty substantial saving, and should direct some additional traffic to the route. Time will tell if they stay when fares rise, but if BC Ferries could raise capacity utilization by five or six percent with regular fares, this route would probably make money, so this marketing move is understandable.
|
|
|
Post by ruddernut on May 21, 2008 16:41:48 GMT -8
I hear you about the lack of foot traffic on this route. The bus route would need to either be frequent - at a cost to the transit authority because it could run empty a lot of times. Or the bus would have to be tied to the ferry arrivals and departures, playing havoc with the transit schedule. It might be a good application of the community shuttle minibuses.
|
|
|
Post by kylefossett on May 21, 2008 16:43:55 GMT -8
I hear you about the lack of foot traffic on this route. The bus route would need to either be frequent - at a cost to the transit authority because it could run empty a lot of times. Or the bus would have to be tied to the ferry arrivals and departures, playing havoc with the transit schedule. It might be a good application of the community shuttle minibuses. I have an idea. Ruddernut go out and purchase or lease a community shuttle style bus and then operate a shuttle to and from Duke Point. Think about it no bus service to compete with.
|
|
|
Post by ruddernut on May 21, 2008 16:47:22 GMT -8
It might be a good application of the community shuttle minibuses. I have an idea. Ruddernut go out and purchase or lease a community shuttle style bus and then operate a shuttle to and from Duke Point. Think about it no bus service to compete with. Like I'm the transit agency in charge of providing service to the Nanaimo region. BTW, there is a van service that offers rides between Duke Point and Nanaimo. They charge something like $19 for the first rider, and $5 for additional passengers in your group though.
|
|
D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
|
Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on May 21, 2008 17:59:55 GMT -8
Sounds pretty much like the local taxi service has figured out there's at least a minimal demand...
|
|
|
Post by BreannaF on May 22, 2008 2:14:36 GMT -8
You know, it seems to me that if I were a strictly foot passenger looking to get from almost anywhere in the GVRD to Nanaimo, Route 30 would not be my first choice anyway.
Unless I live on the Tsawwassen side of Delta, it is going to be as easy or easier for me to take any bus to downtown Vancouver, then transfer to the 250/257 out to Horseshoe Bay, as it is to get to Tsawwassen. That is sure going to beat trying to get from Duke Point to the centre of Nanaimo. Besides, the ferry service is more frequent on Route 2, anyway.
So, who are all these foot passengers clamoring to take Route 30, anyway?
|
|
|
Post by PCL Driver on May 22, 2008 5:13:53 GMT -8
BC Ferries has had discussions with PCL again about providing bus service on Route 30.
As some of you might know, PCL about 5 years ago tried to provide a service from Nanaimo to YVR via Duke Point, but after 2 years had to stop it as it was too expensive to operate.
With the upcoming Coastal Inspiration start up, BC Ferries has once again approached PCL about this. I don't know the exact details, but I understand that the service will operate 4 days a week (Thursday-Sunday) and only on the sailings of the Coastal Inspiration. All I've heard is that the service may start, both companies are still in talks about it.
I did hear that the bus would NOT be going into the Nanaimo Depot, but that the service would use a Transit hub in Nanaimo....
|
|
|
Post by Northern Exploration on May 22, 2008 7:27:23 GMT -8
That sounds like a good plan. If that bus connected with the airport as well that would be good for the mid-island people who don't want to fly out of Cassidy. My Mom flew into Cassidy despite thinking any aircraft under the size of a 747 was small and would have loved a bus service like that. Going to Victoria and changing buses and then driving to Duncan was too much nonsense to overcome her fear of flying in smaller aircraft. Duke would have been closer for family members to pick her up as well. For her it was never about the costs but rather keeping things simple and easy when she was traveling to relatives alone. When Dad, my brother or myself were with her it was always rent a car and drive over. And since we were doing the driving Active Pass and the Spirit always trumped Duke.
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on May 22, 2008 8:30:26 GMT -8
It's a great idea...
Would the service provide a reduced rate for travel between Duke Point and the Nanaimo Transit Exchange? I would really, really appreciate that...
|
|
|
Post by ruddernut on May 22, 2008 9:35:38 GMT -8
So, who are all these foot passengers clamoring to take Route 30, anyway? Anyone wanting to use the pay parking lot at Tsawwassen? (Does Horseshoe Bay have one?) Anyone wanting to go to both Nanaimo and Victoria, and come back to their car in said parking lot? Anybody from south of Fraser not wanting to transfer multiple buses/Skytrain, and get stuck in Lions Gate Bridge traffic en route to Horseshoe?
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on Nov 28, 2008 12:11:47 GMT -8
Wow, last year I thought the CoastSaver pun was bad... _________________ For Immediate Release November 28, 2008 08-079 “WINTER SUPER SAIL” Save 33% when you travel in December and JanuaryVICTORIA -- BC Ferries is pleased to announce that starting December 1, it will offer a 33 per cent price reduction on all fares through its “Winter Super Sail”. The “Winter Super Sail” applies to all passengers and all vehicles on all sailings and all routes throughout December 2008 and January 2009. The only exception will be pre-paid paper tickets purchased prior to December 1, 2008 and assured loading tickets. The sale makes it easier for travellers to visits their families, friends and loved ones during the holiday season, and to get out and see more of our coastal communities, attractions and eventsduring the winter season. Customers are reminded that December 26, 27 and 28 are traditionally the busiest days for ferry travel over the winter holidays. Extra sailings will be added on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay and Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay routes over the holiday period. While reservations are not required to take advantage of this limited time offer, they are strongly encouraged to guarantee your travel plans, especially during the busiest sailings. Full schedule information and reservations are available on line at www.bcferries.com or by telephone at 1-888-BCFERRY and ask about our “Winter Super Sail” program. Customers are also reminded that BC Ferries’ fuel surcharge will be removed December 5 on all minor routes, including Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and on December 19 on all major routes. ==== For a fare chart, and where and what reductions will be taking place, click here and scroll down to Page 2. (PDF)
|
|
D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
|
Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Nov 28, 2008 12:20:33 GMT -8
Wow, last year I thought the CoastSaver pun was bad... ...and I'm guilty of thinking you had misspelled the thread header... ;D
|
|
|
Post by Balfour on Nov 28, 2008 13:04:21 GMT -8
There's no shortage of cheesiness in the marketing section aboard the Queen of Fort Street
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 28, 2008 13:06:50 GMT -8
Not as cheap as coastsavers but still cheaper which is always good.
|
|
|
Post by gordon on Nov 28, 2008 13:10:19 GMT -8
When do you think the Coast Savers will be brought back?
|
|
|
Post by DENelson83 on Nov 28, 2008 14:53:03 GMT -8
Perhaps next summer?
|
|
|
Post by Dane on Nov 28, 2008 18:39:03 GMT -8
This sail will get me too sale more that's for sure. Oh wait, BC Ferries has got me confusing my sails and sales.
But seriously... I am trapped by gimmicks like this. I will be hitting a lot of routes normally out of my convenience or price range.
|
|
|
Post by Dane on Nov 28, 2008 23:44:31 GMT -8
Hey I am not knocking it - I think it's pretty creative
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on Nov 29, 2008 17:56:45 GMT -8
I was knocking it! ;D
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 29, 2009 11:17:19 GMT -8
for a limited time only...
COASTSAVER FARE SPECIALS START JUNE 2 Travel midweek for $39.00 one-way VICTORIA – BC Ferries is pleased to announce the return of its popular CoastSaver fares. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 2 through 25, the vehicle and driver fare for the three routes connecting the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island is only $39.00 one-way. Customers can take advantage of these special midweek fares on all sailings on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen – Duke Point and Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay routes and save $4.50 on a one-way passenger fare and $15.00 on a one-way underheight vehicle fare. In addition, extend your stay and save by booking overnight accommodation with one of BC Ferries’ partnered properties, the Coast Hotel & Resorts in Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo for only $99.00 per night. Midweek is a great time to travel, so there is no need to wait for the weekend. “The CoastSaver program offers our customers a real choice when it comes to fares,” said Janet Carson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Marketing and Travel Services. “Those who have the flexibility to adjust their travel plans can realize significant savings by travelling midweek.” Look for more CoastSaver fares coming this summer. For more information on CoastSaver, visit www.bcferries.com and choose your time to save. News Release
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Jun 12, 2009 18:02:12 GMT -8
Anyone heard the BC Ferries advertisements on the radio for this Coastsavers promotion? I've heard two versions, both very annoying. One is a boss telling his employee to take a long mid-week weekend. The other is similar, except this time it's a boss/wife to her husband. Both end with the "boss" commanding the guy to "NOW, GET BACK TO WORK".
I think they could do better.
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,172
|
Post by Neil on Jun 19, 2009 21:47:05 GMT -8
Anyone heard the BC Ferries advertisements on the radio for this Coastsavers promotion? I've heard two versions, both very annoying. One is a boss telling his employee to take a long mid-week weekend. The other is similar, except this time it's a boss/wife to her husband. Both end with the "boss" commanding the guy to "NOW, GET BACK TO WORK". I think they could do better. I sure agree with you there, John. Bad concept, annoying tone. I wasn't aware of the promotion and was pleasantly surprised to get such an inexpensive crossing on Thursday. I also discovered an unadvertised 'perk' to having a Discover card, or in my case, two cards- sometimes you can forget how much money you've loaded onto the card, and get what feels like free sailings. I got a regular fare for three people and a vehicle to Duke Point, along with two return trips to Hornby, and I still have almost $100 to spare. Having the card was also the difference between paying $28 to Hornby, as opposed to about $49. Definitely worth it.
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 2, 2009 10:51:20 GMT -8
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,172
|
Post by Neil on Jul 2, 2009 11:25:19 GMT -8
Just an idle thought...
If high fares have nothing to do with decreased ridership, as David Hahn maintains, why does BC Ferries keep offering these Coastsaver rates?
Guess it's just because they're really nice folks.
|
|