Is taking the ferry to Vancouver Island and back getting too expensive?
Many B.C. mayors think so and on Wednesday, they voted to ask the province to roll back fare hikes that were implemented to cover rising costs and dwindling revenues.
While many complain the cost of taking the family on vacation to the provincial capital is equivalent to a trip to Disneyland, the system does have to stay afloat and maybe fare adjustments are the only way to do so. In fact, current rate caps allow for another 4% hike this year and 3.9% next year.
But it appears many municipal politicos are balking and the UBCM commissioned a study that shows fare hikes above the rate of inflation have hurt the economy and reduced taxes by a combined $3 billion.
The province, naturally, disagrees, stating the commissioned study was irresponsible and unproductive.
Maybe it's time for everybody to get real. If we want a ferry system, we'll have to pay for it and the bulk of the money should come from fares, not tax dollars.
