New Westminster passenger ferry from Quay to Queensborough returns this month
After its successful pilot season last summer, a passenger-only ferry service is set to sail once again in New Westminster, beginning this month.
Dubbed the “Q to Q,” the new ferry operates from the dock below the Inn at the Quay – next to the River Market – to the Port Royal public dock in Queensborough.
Beginning on May 19, the service will operate seven days a week between the Quayside and Queensborough neighbourhoods.
Hours of operation will be Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 8 pm, Fridays from 7 am to 9 pm, and weekends and statutory holidays, 9 am to 9 pm.
“The 2018 Q to Q pilot ferry project gives us an opportunity to test the viability of providing a regular ferry service between Queensborough and downtown New Westminster,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté in a statement.
“Providing a reliable and frequent connection seven days a week for commuters, shoppers, and those seeking access to transit services, recreational, and cultural opportunities is a priority for our growing city.”
The service will depart from a dock below the Inn at the Quay to the Port Royal public dock in Queensborough and crossing time will be approximately five minutes.
Two 12-passenger vessels will be used for ferry operations and sailing frequency during peak periods will be at least every 15 minutes from each ferry dock.
The ferry route for the Q to Q ferry service from downtown New Westminster to Queensborough. (City of New Westminster)
Improved accessibility
To improve accessibility for all users, vessels are equipped with gently sloping ramps to allow wheeled mobility aids free access, and tie downs for wheelchairs to ensure passenger safety.
The ferry service will be operated by Bowen Land and Sea Taxi, who will deploy 12-passenger water taxis capable of carrying two wheelchairs, and four bicycles per trip.
Information about gangway slopes will be provided on the Q to Q website and ferry terminals at least one week in advance to help with trip planning.
Tickets are available at the Queensborough Community Centre, City Hall, and Centennial Community Centre.
Three River Market vendors will also sell tickets and passengers can purchase tickets on board using exact change.
Individual tickets are $2 for full fare, and $1 for concession, and monthly passes are $40 for full fare, and $20 for concession. Children aged five and under are free.
Both individual and monthly passes will be available.
The Q to Q pilot ferry service was made possible in part through a sponsorship from Aragon Properties, and is meant to provide a convenient connection from the growing residential community in Queensborough to downtown New Westminster.
“When Queensborough was an industrial neighbourhood, connections were primarily for the movement of goods, and now that it is a thriving residential community, connections are important for the movement of people,” said Aragon President Lenny Moy.
The Q to Q pilot ferry service runs from May 19 to October 28, 2018.
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