POWELL RIVER – BC NDP leader David Eby, alongside Randene Neill, BC NDP candidate for Powell River–Sunshine Coast, announced today a locals-first ferry reservation pilot to help residents in coastal communities travel when they need to.

“Ferries are not a luxury for coastal communities, they are critical infrastructure. People rely on them for everything from medical appointments to seeing loved ones,” said David Eby, leader of the BC NDP. “We want to make it easier for locals to get where they need to go while continuing to welcome visitors who support our small businesses.”

The pilot would reserve a total of 12% of advance booking space for local residents. This includes 10% of advance booking space up to four days before sailing, and an additional 2% of advance booking space up until 24 hours before sailing. The pilot would begin on two routes:

• Horseshoe Bay – Langdale (Sunshine Coast)
• Westview (Powell River) – Little River (Comox)

Beyond the initial pilot, a BC NDP government would work with BC Ferries and other ferry-dependent communities to improve access for local residents on both reservable and first-come, first-served routes.

“On the Sunshine Coast, ferries aren't just for vacations. They're part of everyday life,” said Randene Neill, BC NDP candidate for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “People who live here need to know they can get on a ferry when they need to, especially during busy travel periods.”

As more British Columbians and Canadians choose to explore destinations closer to home, benefiting local businesses, demand for ferry travel has increased. At the same time, people in ferry-dependent communities who need to get to appointments, access services and visit family deserve to know they can get where they need to go.

While the BC Conservatives’ cuts would put essential services at risk, the BC NDP is focused on practical solutions that help coastal communities stay connected and ensure locals can get where they need to go.