Travellers aboard BC Ferries will have to leave their vehicles on enclosed car decks and go up to passenger areas or outer decks as of tomorrow (Sept. 30). Customers can remain in their vehicles on the upper or open car decks.
“BC Ferries must comply with this Transport Canada regulation and the company supports the regulation and its intent. Enclosed car decks are spaces that represent inherent risk to the travelling public,” reads a media release from BC Ferries.
COVID-19 safety measures are in place, including additional cleaning, sanitization, physical distancing and mandat face coverings while at the terminal and onboard the vessel, according to BC Ferries. If customers are non-compliant, enforcement may include a travel ban or a monetary fine.
Starting tomorrow, BC Ferries will also reopen certain areas of the vessels, such as the Pacific Buffet area on the Spirit Class vessels, for seating only, as a way to provide passengers more space for physical distancing. Buffet food service is not being reintroduced at this time.
The new procedures will be implemented as of tomorrow on the following routes: Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay; Tsawwassen – Duke Point; Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay; Powell River – Comox and Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands.
