VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It is now going to cost you less to travel using BC Ferries.  The company is eliminating a two percent fuel surcharge beginning Friday.

President and CEO Mike Corrigan says a lower fuel cost is allowing them to make the change, and calls it great news for holiday travellers.

Jason Bateman, Director of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says it’s a breath of fresh air, and he can’t recall the last time there’s been a fare decrease.

“Fuel costs have begun to level off a bit or even come down slightly, this is good news for ferry riders, the first piece we’ve had in quite some time,” says Bateman and he adds that we shouldn’t get too comfortable with it though. “They want to leave it on the shelf in case they need it again, I think most analyst would say fuel costs will continue to rise in months and years to come,” he adds.

Bateman is challenging other industries like the airlines to follow suit.

NDP Ferries Critic Gary Coons says anytime the government and BC Ferries reduces fares it’s good and it’s something people had reached the tipping point on.  He does say however, there was a delay in making it happen.  “When fuel prices drop there’s a huge delay in rebates and when fuel prices go up there’s no delay,” says Coons.