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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 2, 2018 11:17:20 GMT -8
The process has started for the next 5-year reporting term for BC Ferries, with regards to items approved by the Ferry Commissioner. This process shows us what BC Ferries has in the plans for this term, and also has them making their case for what they think the plans and operations will cost. Performance Term 5 covers the period of April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2025. ---------- Here's a link to the BCFS Capital Plan for this period, which also includes years beyond 2025: - PDF page #28 CAPITAL PLAN HERE- 6 major vessels retired, replaced by 7 new ships - 11 minor vessels retired, replaced by 14 new ships
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 2, 2018 11:25:10 GMT -8
More items from HERE-------------
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 2, 2018 11:52:17 GMT -8
Here's the full 297 page BCFS Performance Term 5 submission document. Have a read.... HEREOutline: Part 4 is likely the interesting stuff, and it starts on PDF page #225.
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Post by Kahloke on Oct 3, 2018 7:26:45 GMT -8
It seems like both BC Ferries and Washington State Ferries are employing similar strategies when it comes to replacing vessels; ie. going with multiple smaller vessels of the same design to replace a single vessel, and increasing sailing frequency. Replacing PRQ with 2 smaller Island Class vessels, and doing the same with Quinsam, would certainly aid in standardizing the fleet, and the bump in frequency will allow the current holding lots to function for a longer period of time without needing to increase their footprints. Washington State is thinking along the same lines when it comes to replacing Walla Walla and Spokane. Rather than a like-for-like replacement, the thinking is to build additional Olympic Class vessels and employ three of them on the Edmonds-Kingston Route, thus increasing frequency, and also decreasing the need for major infrastructure upgrades, especially on the Edmonds side.
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Oct 3, 2018 15:16:24 GMT -8
It seems like both BC Ferries and Washington State Ferries are employing similar strategies when it comes to replacing vessels; ie. going with multiple smaller vessels of the same design to replace a single vessel, and increasing sailing frequency. Replacing PRQ with 2 smaller Island Class vessels, and doing the same with Quinsam, would certainly aid in standardizing the fleet, and the bump in frequency will allow the current holding lots to function for a longer period of time without needing to increase their footprints. Washington State is thinking along the same lines when it comes to replacing Walla Walla and Spokane. Rather than a like-for-like replacement, the thinking is to build additional Olympic Class vessels and employ three of them on the Edmonds-Kingston Route, thus increasing frequency, and also decreasing the need for major infrastructure upgrades, especially on the Edmonds side. Foreshore infrastructure has gotten incredibly expensive in the last couple of decades. Environmental impact assessments, community/public involvement studies and hearings... probably cheaper in the long run to pay the higher operating cost on more vessels. And you get the added flexibility for scheduling and maintenance/breakdowns.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,170
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Post by Neil on Oct 3, 2018 20:58:58 GMT -8
There's all sorts of interesting tidbits in the capital plan, but for now, I'll just refer to one point that seemed a real head scratcher for me. Maybe someone has some insight.
It was noted that the Langdale terminal is going to be upgraded to provided 'ticketing capabilities'.
Since the 1960s, the fare structure of paying at Horseshoe Bay northbound, or Saltery Bay southbound, has taken into account either return fares to Langdale, or fares through to Saltery Bay. Why is ticketing needed at Langdale? Is there now some notion that people are going one way (without their car) with BC Ferries, and with another carrier the other way?
I don't know how reservations work on route three. Can you reserve, one way, from Langdale, announcing your reservation at the booth? If so, I don't know why they would alter things with regard to fares.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 3, 2018 21:16:17 GMT -8
Since the 1960s, the fare structure of paying at Horseshoe Bay northbound, or Saltery Bay southbound, has taken into account either return fares to Langdale, or fares through to Saltery Bay. Why is ticketing needed at Langdale? Is there now some notion that people are going one way (without their car) with BC Ferries, and with another carrier the other way? I think it's likely that they are moving to a more formal "free ticket" paper trail process for foot passengers, allowing them a more accurate or easier count of passenger numbers for an upcoming sailing, rather than just counting as people step across the gangway.
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Post by yak on Oct 23, 2018 5:56:17 GMT -8
Since the 1960s, the fare structure of paying at Horseshoe Bay northbound, or Saltery Bay southbound, has taken into account either return fares to Langdale, or fares through to Saltery Bay. Why is ticketing needed at Langdale? Is there now some notion that people are going one way (without their car) with BC Ferries, and with another carrier the other way? I think it's likely that they are moving to a more formal "free ticket" paper trail process for foot passengers, allowing them a more accurate or easier count of passenger numbers for an upcoming sailing, rather than just counting as people step across the gangway. I don't know if that is the reason but it would make sense. Passenger counts are hugely important, especially in an emergency. An accurate headcount influences decisions around things like sending a fire team into a potentially dangerous situation. It has been more than a few times that seniors are found milling about the deck after arrival expecting a return trip without notifying anyone because it is "free".
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Post by Nickfro on Oct 25, 2018 15:10:07 GMT -8
To answer Neil's question, yes you can reserve one way from Langdale. All vehicles go through one of two ticket booths. If you're reserved, you declare such at the booth. If not reserved, all they do is direct you down a lane. No official passenger count is done from what I can see, but I bet the booth agent guesses from only a visual.
Langdale is pretty much an open terminal where anyone can enter the terminal on foot. I wouldn't be surprised that this plan may create a more 'secure' terminal where all passengers will need to be processed in order to enter the terminal, regardless of whether fares are implemented in the future.
Gambier and Keats passengers must also get processed and buy their tickets at terminal booths, if this is the direction Langdale is moving towards.
The overhead foot passenger walkway is required now, as they struggle to keep schedule on busy days with the current foot passenger setup using the lower car deck.
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