David Eby's BC NDP promises priority BC Ferries reservations for locals on two routes | Daily Hive

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If the BC NDP is re-elected, residents of select ferry-dependent communities would have access to a dedicated share of reservations on two BC Ferries routes, making their essential trips easier to book.

Premier David Eby announced the proposed pilot project this weekend. The party’s platform commitment would set aside 12 per cent of advance booking space for local residents on the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale and Powell River-Comox routes.

The first route is a major service that connects Metro Vancouver with the Sunshine Coast, while the latter route connects Westview terminal in Powell River with Little River terminal near Comox.

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Under the proposal, 10 per cent of advance booking space would be held for locals until four days before departure. Another two per cent would remain reserved for residents until 24 hours before sailing.

Those percentages would apply to the space available for advance reservations, rather than the ferry’s entire capacity.

“Ferries are not a luxury for coastal communities, they are critical infrastructure. People rely on them for everything from medical appointments to seeing loved ones,” said Eby.

“We want to make it easier for locals to get where they need to go while continuing to welcome visitors who support our small businesses.”

This proposal aims to help residents who depend on ferries for healthcare, services, and family visits secure bookings during periods of great demand.

The BC NDP notes that increased interest in travelling closer to home has put more pressure on BC Ferries’ services, while also bringing new and additional customers to businesses in coastal communities.

“On the Sunshine Coast, ferries aren’t just for vacations. They’re part of everyday life,” said Randene Neill, the BC NDP candidate for Powell River-Sunshine Coast.

“People who live here need to know they can get on a ferry when they need to, especially during busy travel periods.”

Beyond the two pilot routes, the party promised to work with BC Ferries and other communities that depend on the ferry service to make travel easier for residents. That work would cover both routes that accept reservations and those where boarding is first come, first served.

The main voting day for the provincial general election is Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, with advance voting spanning a six-day period from Friday, Oct. 16 to Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Additionally, residents across B.C. will vote in the civic election on Saturday, Oct. 17 to select their next municipal leaders.

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