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Post by Coastal Canuck on Feb 25, 2008 18:36:39 GMT -8
well it looks like the Queen of Esqumalt only has 2 more weeks left in her life
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Post by Hardy on Feb 25, 2008 21:29:48 GMT -8
That service announcement bumps up the timetable significantly - the previous announcement re: the homeport switch ran thru 31 March, and this new annoucement covers 9 March. Either the Esquimalt is having mechanical issues, or maybe the found a buyer for her. Could also be, but less likely, that they will use her on Rte-1 for 4 boat service.
No point speculating, but safe to say, her days on Rte-30 are now very numbered.
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Post by Scott on Feb 25, 2008 21:39:59 GMT -8
So it would be possible (if you want to discuss this, start a topic in the "trips" section) for Mainlanders to take a trip to Nanaimo on the Esquimalt on her last day in service and come back on the Coastal Renaissance on her first day of service on the same day? Plus a taxi fare that would cost more than the day's ferry fares together to get from Duke Point to Departure Bay.
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 25, 2008 21:47:25 GMT -8
According to RBI the Esquimalt is still listed on RBI on March 9th. I hope to do the 3pm sailing then on the Coastal Renaissance on the 8th
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Post by Scott on Feb 25, 2008 21:56:21 GMT -8
Okay. It's just that the above quoted service notice says the Cowichan will be replacing the Esquimalt effective March 9th.
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Post by Retrovision on Feb 26, 2008 11:27:12 GMT -8
According to RBI the Esquimalt is still listed on RBI on March 9th. I hope to do the 3pm sailing then on the Coastal Renaissance on the 8th Okay. It's just that the above quoted service notice says the Cowichan will be replacing the Esquimalt effective March 9th. How much can we trust this latest service notice if it flies in the face of one made 7 days earlier? + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Now I'm wondering if this is indeed due to mechanical issues with the Queen of Esquimalt as she's only listed through RBI through Saturday March 1st. Beyond that - has anyone ever heard of this message coming up for anything but sailings a month or more down the road - the standard message "* Scheduled sailings for the route and departure you’ve requested (Tsawwassen to Duke Point on 2[etc.]-Mar-2008) are not yet set up in RBI. Please try again later." is listed in place of any reservation ability until Saturday March 8th when it states that only sailings for the route at all (Even when there are added sailings such as scheduled extras on Route 3 to Landgale the sailing is always listed but simply with "Reservation Closed" as the status) are ones by the Queen of Alberni sailing as the Tsawwassen vessel. Could someone from BCFS please clarify the particulars that we're missing?
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 26, 2008 11:41:17 GMT -8
ok RBI is messed up. I checked this morning and they did have the Cowichan listed on route 30 but still on the Esquimalts revised schedule. I just checked back again and now they just list the Queen of Alberni on RBI for March 9th onwards.
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Post by Nickfro on Feb 26, 2008 13:13:03 GMT -8
I don't get it either. When I made my post yesterday, I checked the RBI pages and they did in fact show the Queen of Cowichan's sunday sailings on Route 30, and on the back-to-normal departure times. I'm not sure what's going on there.
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Post by Hardy on Feb 26, 2008 13:50:02 GMT -8
How much can we trust this latest service notice if it flies in the face of one made 7 days earlier? I don't see THAT part of it to be a problem at all. At the beginning of the week, all they were dealing with was swapping Alberni and Esquimalt around in terms of home-port. This gets the Alberni where she needs to be so that the CI can replace the New West (which is who the Esquimalt is filling in for until the run is Coastalized...) Now that that issue was dealt with, then something came up with the Esquimalt which necessitated the Cowichan replacing her. Whether it is maintenance, breakdown, sale or retirement, I don't see the problem with the two seemingly overlapping service announcements. The second one simply amends the first one by replacing a ship which was swapped in terms of home-port. The only issue here, is that when you take the slower V-class out of Rte-30, you go back to a 2 hour crossing time as opposed to 2:20-2:30 (and therefore the modified schedule!). Clear as mud?
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Post by Hardy on Feb 26, 2008 13:55:22 GMT -8
The RBI glitch happens sometimes, as there is more than one "server" which handles the RBI requests. Sometimes one is running on the "new" database, and another may not yet have reloaded the data. The "information not available" or "not inputted yet" errors come up when the main part of the database that has the ship info (and hence how much space remains out of what is allocated) cannot be accessed. I have had this occur mid-reservation before as BCFS updated information in their database while I was checking for available space. As far as commercial reservations go, I even had the web system issue me the same reservation number (theoretically not possible, I was later told by customer support) for two different sailings on two different routes on two different days. When that occured, my account was kind of buggered up, as I could not access either reservation online, and had to fall back on dealing with a human to try to help me sort it out (which still took the better part of an hour, because HER BCFS computer had the same problem with trying to access my reservations....)
Anyways, I digress...
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Post by Retrovision on Feb 26, 2008 14:04:41 GMT -8
Clear as mud? Perfectly. Ammending, granted - and it's good to hear the perspective of an actual trucker for which the route is basically designed - plus my record for calling things untrustworthy is normally with far more critical motivation unlike this time so to clarify I do trust the latest notice, my concern this time however is about overheight capacity differences between the ' Esquimalt and ' Cowichan, which other than knowing that the ' Cowichan has gallery decks unlike the ' Alberni I'm not too clear on. But, frankly, I'll admit that my true motivation is far more frivilous when compared to capacity and schedule issues as it's far more about how long the eldest gal in question will still be in service.
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Feb 26, 2008 16:48:53 GMT -8
Just thought I'd point out that with the service notice announcing Klitsa joining Kahloke on the Buckley Bay - Denman Island run, we have the unusual instance of a temporary arrangement actually being marginally better than the usual, during the day at least. The two boats together have a capacity five or six cars more than the Quinitsa, and they're doing two runs each hour, which Quinitsa can't quite do, even when shuttling.
Replacing one boat with two is an extravagance BC Ferries doesn't usually indulge in, so, despite what the notice says, I doubt that they're 'pleased' to have to do it.
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Post by Scott on Feb 26, 2008 22:13:29 GMT -8
This is an interesting arrangement for Denman Island. What I'm wondering, since the schedule says there will only be two boats from Monday to Friday, is where they will keep the Klitsa on Saturdays and Sundays since I'm pretty sure there are just single berths at both terminals.
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Post by coastalcody on Feb 26, 2008 22:27:04 GMT -8
Yeah i don't recall there being two berths, how ever there may be a side dock or a place where they can tie her up, well there must be nearby.
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Post by Ferryman on Feb 26, 2008 22:52:19 GMT -8
If I remember correctly, there is some sort of wingwall setup Blubber Bay, Texada Island style, set up at Buckley Bay now. I remember seeing a photo a few months back with the Quinitsa tied up in the Buckley Bay berth, and the Kahloke rafted up parallel to the holding lanes of the terminal. It would have been an addition that was done recently with the berth upgrade.
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Post by Hardy on Feb 27, 2008 8:23:25 GMT -8
Ammending, granted - and it's good to hear the perspective of an actual trucker for which the route is basically designed - plus my record for calling things untrustworthy is normally with far more critical motivation ... Well, it wasn't written as a 'trucker' per se. As for the route, we've debated this back and forth, and yes, there is an obvious attraction for commercial vehicles to use Rte-30, what with the congestion at HSB, and West Van's dislike of larger commercial vehicles. Don't forget too, that BCFS itself is the one that pushes the surcharge on commercial vehicles at HSB during peak season to dissuade them from Rte-2 and "carrot-and-stick" them over to Rte-30. That said, long before I was a professional driver, my family went Rte-30 to visit relatives up island (pre Inland Hwy too) up past Courtenay (Black Creek to be precise). Regular vehicle traffic is spotty on Rte-30, unless you are geographically located to make that long drive to Tsawwassen. Rte-30 is far from scenic, thus most tourists do Rte-1/-2. Rte-30 is utilitarian as far as scenery goes. It is also 'undermarketted' in so far as people coming from outside Vancouver/Burnaby/West Tri-Cities are actually closer to Tsawwassen than HSB. Unless you are within 15 mins drive of Hwy-1, you are generally faster to head out Hwy-17. That said, most people see the distance and outlying nature of Tsa as an impediment. The shortest route is not always (rarely so) the fastest. Add in the fact that on the surface, the 2 hour trip seems counter-productive, but then factor in the fact that you are not having to drive your car or burn your fuel, and currently the rates are the same (except cheaper if Coast Saver) on Rte-30 as on Rtes-1/2. So the "trucker" tag is unfortunate, as it is a lack of understanding on the general part of the travelling public as to the merits of Rte-30. Now that I am done ranting on that (yes, I am still bitter about people accusing truckers of "forcing" BCFS to put a Coastal on Rte-30 -- as I stated emphatically several times, no one lobbied for that in my industry that I am aware of...). The loss in OH lane space on a C-class versus a V-class can only be quantified in terms of actual "lane feet/metres". Yes, a C is a reduction in overall space available, but not having the numbers of lane metres in front of me right now, I cannot tell you how that translates into a "real world" number of how many less trucks a C can carry as compared to a V. You then get into the black art of numbers again to do the math in real world terms. Using arbitrary numbers, a standard semi-truck with one trailer is 75' in length. A straight truck is around 35-40'. Super-B's I think (don't drive them) are around 85-90'. You take your vehicles and start loading them up, and I can guarantee that you can't evenly divide trucks into the length of each lane -- you have a "remainder" (remember 5th grade math?). You cannot split a truck into more than one part, or wrap it around to another lane, so loading and lane usage become key. As you lose one lane total (I believe) on a V-C swap, in theory that is 4-5 trucks less capacity that you can carry -- assuming a mixed load of truck types. Black-science into this how you actually load the decks, and if you do it right, you might lose only 2 trucks per sailing. Don't forget that some other non-commercial over-heights can load under the gallery decks (ie vans, campers). The numbers are "fuzzy" at best, and, as I have stated before, there is no substitute for a good deck crew that can keep the trucks and cars loaded tightly and efficiently as they are coming aboard. The last point to make is: "Time is money". By law and Hours of Service regulations, professional drivers only have "so-many" hours that they can work. Driving time is separate from work time spent NOT driving (ie: riding a ferry or waiting in line). But the clock is running the whole time for total hours. Therefore, returning to a regular schedule and a 2 hour crossing has other tangible benefits OTHER than total feet of truck capacity at 4.15m height (13'6") which, is the maximum legal height of commercial vehicles on roads in the provinces of BC and AB (not saying that BCFS does not take higher loads, as they do take over-over-heights, hence the Alberni's massive clearance). Too much information in one post? Sue me .... hehehehe
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Post by Nickfro on Feb 28, 2008 9:16:26 GMT -8
Service Notices - Campbell River-Quadra Island
REVISED - Temporary Replacement Vessel Posted February 28, 2008
The MV Bowen Queen will replace the MV Powell River Queen a day earlier then originally planned. The MV Bowen Queen will begin service between Quadra Island and Campbell River on Friday, February 29 with the 6:15 a.m. sailing.
The MV Powell River Queen is being removed from service to undergo necessary work to replace the car deck. This work is expected to be completed by June 20.
Due to the limited over height capacity of the MV Bowen Queen, commercial operators need to plan their travels accordingly.
BC Ferries thanks you for your patience and looks forward to the return of the MV Powell River Queen. __________________________________________
The Cumberland is currently out in Georgia Straight near Tsawwassen. Perhaps they'll make the switch at lunch break to give time for the Bowen Queen to venture up to Campbell River. Otherwise its a long overnight journey for the Bowen Queen tonight!
EDIT: It will be the latter, as currently (1245pm) the Cumberland is heading northwest alongside Galiano Island.
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Post by Hardy on Feb 28, 2008 15:26:25 GMT -8
Heavy traffic on and off Vancouver Island on Rte-1. From 1515, the 1700 sailings to and from Victoria are already sold out. Exiting SWB is 40% on the 1900 and exiting TSA is 51% on the 1900.
It is interesting that the Saanich did one of the Vancouver's round trips this morning -- maybe time for an MD sailing.
Also looks like there is a problem with Capilano as her 1425 from HSB was 'cancelled' and now they've just posted a service announcement (at 1510) that she is holding at HSB until further notice.
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Post by Scott on Feb 28, 2008 16:08:35 GMT -8
Wouldn't it be cool if the PRQ had to do a few days to Bowen Island before her refit because the Capilano was out for emergency repairs?
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Post by Coastal Canuck on Feb 28, 2008 18:14:27 GMT -8
Cappy has resumed service --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why did the Saanich do the 9:00 and 11:00 sailing in place of the Vancouver
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 28, 2008 19:52:23 GMT -8
This was planned about a week or so ago for the Saanich for this one roundtrip. I guess maybe they had some things to do on the Vancouver maybe. Not really too sure.
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Post by ferrytraveller on Mar 6, 2008 11:57:19 GMT -8
COASTAL RENAISSANCE OFFICIALLY STARTS SERVICE BC Ferries brand new ship to officially begin operation on Nanaimo route VICTORIA – BC Ferries’ newest vessel, Coastal Renaissance, will officially commence service on Saturday, March 8 as the regularly scheduled 3:00 p.m. sailing from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay. On that day, the ship will also depart Horseshoe Bay at 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and from Departure Bay at 7:00 p.m. From Sunday, March 9 onward, Coastal Renaissance is scheduled to sail at the following times: Leave Departure Bay: Leave Horseshoe Bay: 6:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Coastal Renaissance is the first of three new Coastal Class vessels. Coastal Inspiration, which is currently awaiting passage through the Panama Canal, will commence service on the Duke Point – Tsawwassen route before the summer. Coastal Celebration will join the BC Ferries fleet in the fall, and will sail between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.
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Post by Nickfro on Mar 6, 2008 15:30:48 GMT -8
The Queen of Saanich appears to be doing 2 unscheduled round trips today. I wonder what prompted that move. . .I guess they're anticipating higher volumes this afternoon.
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Nick
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Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
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Post by Nick on Mar 6, 2008 16:16:09 GMT -8
The 11 am was sold out already at 9:50. I guess they figured it would only pick up from there, considering that is usually one of the quietest sailings.
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on Mar 9, 2008 21:17:04 GMT -8
Updated at 5:50 pm
Please be advised that the Coastal Renaissance is running approximately 40 minutes behind schedule.
For updated information please feel free to call toll free 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) or visit our Vessel Tracking web page.
We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this delay.
As of 10:20pm she is still at HSB I can see her on the webcam. Anyone know what is going on??
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