B.C. Ferries passengers could face a jump in fares once the recent $500 million boost to the system runs out after four years unless fresh money comes in, says the B.C. Ferry Commission.
Commisioner Eva Hage expects that without additional funds there will be a “very high price cap because fare revenues from users would have to make up for that money from the government.”
https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/bc-ferries-fares-uncertain-after-500m-boost-runs-out-7525400
British Columbia is an affluent part of Canada with a population of just over 5 million compared to Scotland’s 5.4 million.
BC’s GDP is $266 billion. Scotland’s is $205 billion.
BC Ferries operate in more southerly, warmer, less windy waters but to a similar number of islands and with a similar number of vessels.
BC contributes $194 million in subsidies to its ferry system. The Scottish Government contributes $195 million in subsidies.
BC Ferries ferry more than 20 million passengers per year. CalMac ferries nearly 5 passengers per year.
So four times as many passengers for the same subsidy level means the Scottish ferry system is 4 times more generous today than the one in British Columbia.
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