BCFs issues request for proposals for Route 12

[Ferryman]

Interesting News. BC Ferries is looking for interested parties who would be able to take over the operation of the Mill Bay Brentwood Bay, at an arms length away from BC Ferries.

www.bcferries.com/news/files/07-013millbayasp.pdf

[Curtis]

Only one word to say. UH-OH!

[Low Light Mike]

Only 1 word for me too:

I think this is good news, as it's showing that the intended process is working. If an alternate provider can be found to provide the required levels of service at a lower cost, then great.

Do I think this will happen? No, not a chance. Based on the requirements on an alternate-provider (as already discussed numerous times on this forum), it is unlikely that someone can beat BCFS's cost levels.

[Scott]

All I'm worried about is someone will try to do it, but end up like HarbourLynx. Then it'll end up either dead or it will cost BC Ferries even more to fix the mess.

[Dane]

admin said:

All I'm worried about is someone will try to do it, but end up like HarbourLynx. Then it'll end up either dead or it will cost BC Ferries even more to fix the mess.

I had never even thought about that, it is an excellent point to consider.

[Curtis]

Really good point.
Somebody mention it to BCFS before it's too late.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

Hmm...but BC Ferries big wigs might like to see it fail. They would have done their duty of ensuring competitiveness in the marketplace, while coming out smelling like roses after they have to go back in to fix the situation.

It's a win-win scenario for them. Either they get praised for sound financial judgment for selling the route to someone who can operate it for less, or they get praised for being the saviors because they are the only ones able to operate a ferry service effectively.

[Neil]

I don't see anything on the Malahat Route Study site about a change to the ferry route. I've always thought it would make more sense if the route went from north of Pat Bay across to a terminal north of Mill Bay, providing a more direct link between Swartz Bay and the Cowichan area, but perhaps I don't know local traffic patterns well enough to say.

[Neil]

I see the alternate crossing, ending up south of the present landing on the west side.
Thanks, I'd be interested in seeing the report you mention.

[Doug]

I thought the route has been on the market for over a year now?

[Neil]

BC Ferries was looking for expressions of interest in this route in the early autumn of 2005. It was a publc process, so I don't know why Mr Knox wouldn't have been aware of it.

The route is not being 'sold', or 'auctioned off'. Even if BC Ferries finds a qualified operator and they accept a bid for the route, it is for a specific period, and BC Ferries retains long term responsibility.

[Neil]

There's no reason to think BC Ferries would try to drop this route if they don't find an alternate service provider, and if you look at the Coastal Ferry Act & Contract, there's no compelling reason for the ferries Commissioner to allow it even if they did try.

As for another operator having a 'standby' boat, actually, you were the one who brought that up, and there's nothing in the Act or Contract specifying that, although common sense dictates there would be one available. BC Ferries has stated an alternate operator might provide the service with a boat leased from them, so I suppose they might also sign a lease agreement for a fill in vessel for re-fit times.

I agree with you on the aspect of Graham Clarke's company applying for a contract from a firm in which his brother occupies a very senior position. How would it look if Gordon Campbell hired his brother Michael's firm to do consultant work for the government? Not an exact analogy, I realize, and of course, as we all know, BC Ferries is private now, so there can be no question of brother Graham supping at the public trough, can there?

[Dane]

cascade said:

If you look back in the last 15 plus years - they {BCFS} have tried on two occasion to drop this route - third time lucky ??

BCFC. Substantial difference.