Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 27, 2020 22:08:50 GMT -8
I looked at the Translink site, and unless I'm missing something, I don't see any transit reductions.
What I am seeing on my walks in the White Rock- south Surrey area is bus after bus rolling around almost completely empty. Anyone seeing anything different where they are?
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 27, 2020 22:03:13 GMT -8
Could BC Ferries bring one boat service to route 1, 2 and 30 due drop ridership? Wouldn't bet against it, given the empty space on board. Difference from WSF is that if Bainbridge loses a vessel, there's still a sailing slightly better than every two hours. Route 30 loses a boat, there's a five hour interval.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 27, 2020 16:37:21 GMT -8
This is from Darin Guenette, reposted on a Hornby facebook page. It is from four days ago, and refers to the previous day's traffic. I imagine the numbers have dropped even more by now.
Traffic yesterday was down approximately 65+% (passengers)/55+% (vehicles) down across all inter-island routes in our network. It was down on the Major routes (between V.Island/Sunshine Coast and Metro Vcr) closer to 80% (pass) and 65% (veh). These are all compared to the same time in 2019.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 26, 2020 21:45:32 GMT -8
Well, since we're all stuck in quarantine, I mind as well post an update. The Queen of Burnaby is STILL at berth 6/7 and BCFS still hasn't moved it. The Spirit of Vancouver Island was in berth 1 for a really long time, may have moved. Queen of Oak Bay in berth 3. The troubled Northern Sea Wolf in berth 5. And the rest of them are empty. Also, I had a long debate with my dad about whether or not that was the Queen of Burnaby. It was, she still sits there. The Northern Sea Wolf is actually currently at Allied Shipbuilders in North Vancouver. Queen of Burnaby certainly was moved... a mile or so downriver, several weeks ago. She's back at Deas?
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 25, 2020 8:49:24 GMT -8
Damn, you've got a big problem! And those three ships are still in the same place, and the pub on Saturna is closed. (I think) I look out my window and see trees, a field, and nice grey transformer on a pole.... I think cabin fever is setting in....
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 24, 2020 20:29:33 GMT -8
It's worth noting that they actually adjusted the schedules on both Route 2 & 3. I've never quite understood that vessel shift; historically, it was never a feature of the route 2-3 schedules. The revised schedule seems to make more sense, in terms of the spacing of sailings, but perhaps someone more familiar with the needs of the routes has some insight into why the shift was done, a few years back.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 24, 2020 20:24:44 GMT -8
As many of us have read and heard, particularly if we frequent the facebook pages for various island communities, residents there have been hoping that tourists and casual visitors will stop accessing their vulnerable localities. Some of these places have a disproportionate number of elderly folks. So, good on BC Ferries for issuing a service notice asking people to restrict travel to only what is necessary. I wonder if there will be anything posted at terminals. Unenforceable, of course, but my sense is that a huge portion of the public is being pretty conscientious these days.
Pretty rough, the elimination of all food services on northern routes as of the 30th. It's one thing to do without an 'all aboard' breakfast on the ninety minute haul from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, but another matter entirely when you might be spending upwards of twenty hours heading to Prince Rupert. There will have to be some advance 'picnic' planning for families determined to do that crossing.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 24, 2020 16:59:08 GMT -8
I think you were being asked about your claim that the protests were funded by American interests, and there's nothing in the CBC story that corroborates that.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 23, 2020 21:11:28 GMT -8
Wonderful shots. I wonder if BCFS would ever consider a bow door on her? A cut and stretch maybe needed but would speed up loading/unloading process as well as adding some capacity. Would probably have her out of the water for half a year in dry dock. The amount of money that has been spent on this boat is shocking. The most recent prop issue is probably no one's fault, but overall, given her age and capacity, I think it would be really unlikely that BC Ferries would sink any more money into a rather expensive nose job. Although, as the saying goes, "in for a penny, in for a pound"... But, no. They're going to need a bigger boat for summers on the central coast, probably sooner rather than later, and this little ship probably isn't worth more investment. Having said that, I really do like her looks, and I'm looking forward to a ride some time in the near (and safer) future.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 22, 2020 22:05:53 GMT -8
15 is pretty young i guess! I will try to not go outside after hearing your guy's suggestions and criticism. Thing you have to understand, 'withtheferries', is that a disease that might cause someone your age nothing more than the sniffles, or perhaps no symptoms at all, can be so easily passed on to someone older or with health issues which can make it a virtual death warrant. You go on your little ferry excursion and you feel fine, and you touch a door that a susceptible person touches, and they then absent mindedly transfer the virus to their face... Your trip was dangerous, and your post was insensitive. Your area is a hot spot for coronavirus, and it's irresponsible for any of us to engage in any public activities that can put others at risk.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 19, 2020 21:55:19 GMT -8
I see that both BC Ferries and WSF have shut down all food services. I observed a week ago that the cafeteria on a route one sailing was fairly empty. For a couple of days, they tried having just the food in the coolers, but apparently, no one was buying that either.
In these troubled times, people are probably not having difficulty bringing food with them, or simply timing meals so as not to have to eat on board. Everyone's making huge adjustments, and food on ferries is a fairly small one.
I suppose most of the sailings that normally have full food services are sailing under a reduced passenger license, requiring fewer crew. Still, there must be cafeteria staff who have to be deployed to other work on board, if it can be found.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 17, 2020 22:14:11 GMT -8
To be honest i think a good idea for her is actually to but good steel above and below the corroded steel. Basically attaching steel to the wall of the car deck therefor no stress is put on the corroded steel. Under the car deck so when the corroded steel flakes and crumbles that rotten steel wont get everywhere. I highly doubt this would work but its just an idea i came up with. Maybe you should share this idea with WSF powers that be. Just leave out your comment, "I highly doubt this would work."
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 17, 2020 21:34:14 GMT -8
Now that she is offically retied, Why is she still on vesselwatch/WSDOT's page? And why is she still at anacortes? And also i would like to know whats the big deal with corrrosion? I mean she is still safe and able to be in service if she just gets painted. They already replaced some of the rotten steel when it was remodeled in the 2010's "What's the big deal with corrosion?" Well, nothing, really. As you say, slap some paint on her, and there's nothing further age and salt water can do. Bon voyage!
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 16, 2020 22:06:11 GMT -8
Jim, I disagree about the lower car deck issue... looking at relative threats, it just seems that one is so much more clear, in the short run. Absolutely agree with altering the maximum passenger count, and I suspect that will happen before long. Also wouldn't be surprised if they shut down food services entirely. Even last week, there were far fewer people eating, from what I saw. Not difficult to take food with you, and I expect that's what far more folks will be doing until this situation improves. At the moment the COVID-19 issue is the larger concern, but Neil, when you cite the Queen of Victoria 1970 accident and say 'only 2 people died', you surely have to recognize that they were lucky that it was only two (there was a third on an upper deck). It was just by the grace of God that that accident was not far worse.
I don't think anyone should be ferry travelling 'just for the heck of it' now. We need to listen to health authorities and stop the spread & flatten the curve. And moderators, please 'collect' this discussion and place it where it belongs, in the thread you 'locked'. Looking at my post from two hours ago, I did not phrase it as 'only two people died'. I agree with you completely... no one should be taking fun trips on ferries right now. My excursion last Thursday was a clear error in judgment.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 16, 2020 20:22:29 GMT -8
I disagree with the decision to lock the coronavirus thread. I don't think there would be any more arguing about recognizing the threats in travel; I think the thread would have been useful as a historical record of this unique upheaval in our transportation patterns. I very much agree Neil that the moderators have made a bad call in deciding to lock the coronavirus thread. Are you listening moderators? This virus will be the news story of 2020, and it will also be the dominant story re ferry (and cruise ship) operations world wide in 2020. I also think that TC's decision to relax the lower car deck rule is not an especially good one. Ignoring one serious safety issue because of another issue is problematic. I believe now is the time to insure that passengers on board ferries can follow recommended 'social distancing' by temporarily reducing passenger licence number to maybe 25% of normal. If I was on the ferries now I would be out on the outer decks about 100% of the time, but that is pretty much what I do anyways. Jim, I disagree about the lower car deck issue... looking at relative threats, it just seems that one is so much more clear, in the short run. Absolutely agree with altering the maximum passenger count, and I suspect that will happen before long. Also wouldn't be surprised if they shut down food services entirely. Even last week, there were far fewer people eating, from what I saw. Not difficult to take food with you, and I expect that's what far more folks will be doing until this situation improves.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 16, 2020 19:23:20 GMT -8
I disagree with the decision to lock the coronavirus thread. I don't think there would be any more arguing about recognizing the threats in travel; I think the thread would have been useful as a historical record of this unique upheaval in our transportation patterns. I thought it was ridiculous that Transport Canada originally denied BC Ferries' request to allow people to stay on the enclosed car deck. As far as we know, the last documented death of a person on an enclosed car deck, due to mishap, was 1970, on the Queen of Victoria. The current situation, in my view, is a far greater danger than what Transport Canada was taking into account. We're having sailing cancellations due to a lack of traffic. People's attitudes are changing rapidly- I admit to doing a fan trip a week ago- something I certainly wouldn't do now. Our lives are being impacted in so many ways, and it changes daily, if not hourly. I think there's a value in a specific thread chronicling this virus' effect on BC Ferries, but I suppose people will find a way to post things to existing threads, if that's how it needs to be done. But sticking this into 'general news items' doesn't seem like the best plan.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 12, 2020 22:37:13 GMT -8
Well Neil to tell you the truth as me being a believer in Christ I like to Say You Will die and we should live every day like we will die tomorrow so thats my moto but in terms of what you said i completely agree with you and sorry if I ahh offended you. Cheers Jimmy C Nothing to do with anyone being offended, or with what anyone's religious beliefs are. What's important is recognizing that many millions around the globe are at significant risk, and that all of us take every prudent step possible to ensure that we don't harm those who don't have our vitality. It's not a media event.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 12, 2020 21:10:20 GMT -8
Does anyone know when the North Island Princess, because I was going to go on it this spring break but I am not sure if that is going to happen now due to the Coronavirus. I would like to know just on case I have to plan a trip to Powell River April or May. from what I understand the NIP will be replaced by one of the two Island class ferries somewhere in the time frame of May or June but i am not to certain of this so sorry if I am not correct on this. Cheers Jimmy PS the Coronavirus is being blown up by the media and unless you are a senior or have underlying health problems then it is very unlikely that you will die and you will be fine+ BCFS is cleaning every inch of passenger accessible areas to avoid any risks. Let's not be stupid. The media isn't blowing things up. You might be fine, but this isn't just about you. It's about the vulnerable people you could pass something to. Yes, live your life, but take all the precautions that are being publicized. This isn't a hoax, as even the clown in the White House has now admitted.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 11, 2020 22:00:55 GMT -8
Then my question to BCFS would be, if the Bowen takes over route 6 till Oct 2020, then where does the Quinitsa go all summer, if the Quadra Queen II is becoming a relief vessel this summer, now they have two vessels sitting around doing nothing I guess, waiting for a break down? Late spring and early summer of 2018, BC Ferries had Quinitsa at Swartz Bay, or maybe at the tie-up berth at Fulford, doing extra runs as needed to the Gulf Islands. That didn't last, for whatever reason, and as I said, she spent the bulk of the summer idle at Buckley. If they're not going to use her for Hornby, I wonder if they might employ her again as the occasional third route five vessel.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 11, 2020 19:57:11 GMT -8
did you hear anything back? I'd be curious what other vessels are on the move this summer too. BC Ferries confirms that this is just a refit assignment. The utterly inadequate Kahloke returns to get chronically overloaded for the summer season, as of early June. Appalling.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 10, 2020 20:56:15 GMT -8
Must say, that's a very snazzy looking bus. Love the wavy lines for some strange reason. Should plan a wee trip soon, taking the Expo Line to 22nd St. station, the "Batt-Bus", to Marpole and return to downtown on the Canada Line. Voila! I know this should be permanently livery when we get electric buses. I don’t think that Nova LFSe are working out because they have seen full of day of service on weekends compared to New Flyer XE40. I don't get your second sentence. What are you saying?
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 10, 2020 17:30:24 GMT -8
The switch at Vesuvius was announced a few weeks ago. Summer before last, BC Ferries had Quinitsa sitting idle at Buckley Bay while traffic piled up to and from Hornby. Until they make an official announcement, I won't assume that this is any more than a refit assignment... but one can hope. The announcement was made back in the fall of 2019 about the vessel change. www.bcferries.com/about/publicconsultation2/terminal-development-planning/vesuvius-bay.htmlThis has been on the books for awhile. Maybe the tweet is correct. Maybe things will change. You're right- it was a few months, not weeks ago. I've emailed for clarification.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 10, 2020 13:52:04 GMT -8
If you go to the BCFS website, under service notices. The Quinitsa will be replaced by the Bowen Queen till Oct 2020. It was brought up in community meetings on salt spring island that the Quinitsa was not meeting summer capacity for residence and commercial traffic. So I believe it will be on the Hornby rte till fall. The switch at Vesuvius was announced a few weeks ago. Summer before last, BC Ferries had Quinitsa sitting idle at Buckley Bay while traffic piled up to and from Hornby. Until they make an official announcement, I won't assume that this is any more than a refit assignment... but one can hope.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 10, 2020 9:12:52 GMT -8
Well my apologies, I'm wasn't sure how to do so after reading the response to a question from BCFS's Twitter account. The post was about the Bowen Queen being placed on the Crofton Vesuvius route, someone asked where the Quinitsa would be going. Here is the link Thanks for that clarification. Although... their tweet still doesn't make clear whether it's just a refit assignment, or a permanent one.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Mar 9, 2020 22:00:43 GMT -8
As of April 1, 2020, BCFS says MV Kahloke is being replaced by the #Quinitsa. I'm assuming now Kahloke is headed to dry dock or even Route 12 for more capacity. Im a regular on rt 12 and it could use the extra space fore sure! Anyone else hear anything different? When you post something like this, you should include a link, or at least your source. I don't see a service notice. I'm assuming Kahloke is going in for a refit.
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