About the BC Ferry Commission
An independent regulator of BC's coastal ferry service.
ROLE OF THE BC FERRY COMMISSION
The BC Ferry Commission is an independent regulator, fully distinct from the provincial government, the B.C. Ferry Authority, and BC Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries).
The Coastal Ferry Act sets out a specific role for each of the four parties:
1. THE PROCURER OF FERRY SERVICE
2. THE SHAREHOLDER
3. THE FERRY OPERATOR
4. THE REGULATOR
1. THE PROCURER OF FERRY SERVICE
The Provincial Government
- Through the Coastal Ferry Services Contract, sets the terms that BC Ferries must follow, including the routes it must serve and the minimum level of service it must provide on each route
- Owns all ferry terminal properties
- Subsidizes the ferry service
- Appoints directors to the B.C. Ferry Authority
2. THE SHAREHOLDER
The B.C. Ferry Authority
- Oversees the strategic direction of BC Ferries in support of the public interest
- Appoints directors to BC Ferries
3. THE FERRY OPERATOR
BC Ferries
- Meets its obligations under the Coastal Ferry Services Contract with the provincial government
- Sets ferry fares, in compliance with the price cap set by the BC Ferry Commission
- Manages the day-to-day operations of the ferry service
- Replaces vessels and upgrades terminals as necessary
4. THE REGULATOR
The BC Ferry Commission
- Sets an upper limit on system-wide average fare increases (the price cap)
- Decides whether to approve or deny major capital expenditures, and sets conditions as appropriate
- Monitors BC Ferries’ adherence to its contract with the BC government
- Approves BC Ferries’ customer complaint process
- Reviews aspects of BC Ferries’ operations as deemed necessary
In its role as independent regulator, the BC Ferry Commission DOES NOT have authority over:
- BC Ferries’ day-to-day operations and operating expenses
- BC Ferries’ customer service policies
- BC Ferries’ safety procedures
- Specific ferry fares, except to set an overall system-wide price cap