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Post by Scott on Jun 3, 2007 21:09:35 GMT -8
I'm sure entry-level BC Ferries workers are pleased (along with hundreds of thousands of BC workers) that they are making a "nominal fee" per hour to work! BC Ferries must be making a killing off this "nominal fee". Sure, it's a convenience, but what are you paying for? Some computer to add you to a list?
It's tempting to make the argument that it's getting harder and harder for the "average" person or family out there to use the ferries. An extra 17.50 (35 bucks round trip) isn't going to bother the executives and bureaucrats, but that's a lot of money for a lower or lower-middle class family. This, along with the pay-for-a-seat lounge seems to be dividing BC Ferries passengers into two separate classes. Those who can afford it and whoever else can squeeze into the room that is left.
Okay, maybe that's a stretch, but while I was studying the fine print at the back of the schedule, I kind of got annoyed at the "nominal fee" statement.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jun 3, 2007 21:13:57 GMT -8
I think the question from the new-member from the South-East-USA, last week, said it best. "Shawn" wondered why an advance-reservation would cause an extra-fee, instead of a fare-discount.
The BCFS reserve-fee seems to defy conventional logic....
But like the GST, once a new revenue-source is established, it's very difficult to remove it, because the company/government gets dependent on it.
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Post by Retrovision on Jun 3, 2007 21:50:48 GMT -8
But like the GST, once a new revenue-source is established, it's very difficult to remove it, because the company/government gets dependent on it. Especially when that revenue-source is handed over to a private company from a crown corp with public oversight. |
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Post by kylefossett on Jun 4, 2007 14:48:41 GMT -8
i have no problem paying that reservation fee if it means i am not sitting a tsawwassen for hours on a hot sticky friday afternoon. it costs me less then what i make an hour and no i am not an executive.
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Post by Scott on Jun 4, 2007 17:16:32 GMT -8
I didn't say only executives and bureaucrats make more than 17.50 an hour. My point was, except for people who make a good income, paying almost 20 bucks for a reservation is a lot of money. Two people could go out for a good dinner for what it would cost to pay for two reservations.
What do you get for $17.50. Like you said, you don't have to sit at Tsawwassen for hours on a hot afternoon. You pay for the convenience. But why are you paying for the convenience and BC Ferries not paying for their convenience. By getting the reservation BC Ferries has the convenience of knowing that they have a certain dependable traffic flow. They get money days, weeks, even months before providing a service (a benefit to any business). I think the reservation fee should be subtracted at the time the fare is paid... it would still be convenient for BC Ferries and it would be fair to the customers who are actually paying for something that costs nothing.
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