Province reacts to BC Ferries fare hike speculations

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The province is firing back at BC Ferries after the company’s CEO suggested major fare hikes would be needed if the government doesn’t cough up more in the way of subsidies.

The Transportation Ministry says it’s too early to speculate on any fare increases ahead of ferry commissioner’s report due at the end of March.

The province says it’s working under a new model with Ferries that brings an increase in taxpayer funding and a list of improvements paid for by government cash. The BC government says it has doubled the funding for BC Ferries since 2001.

It adds a price cap ruling is in effect until 2012, so fare hikes and service cuts aren’t yet an option anyway.

A comptroller general report also shows BC Ferries are well managed overall.

But CEO David Hahn says a 20 per cent jump on major routes and the potential to double fares on northern routes over four years, could become reality.

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