VANCOUVER — BC Ferries is extending its pilot program for foot passenger reservations on its routes around the southern Gulf Islands.
A release from the company says the program will continue until March 31, 2016.
It means walk-on passengers will continue to have the option of a free booking service, guaranteeing boarding on sailings from Tsawwassen to Salt Spring, Galiano, Saturna, Pender or Mayne islands.
BC Ferries Vice President of Customer Services, Corrine Storey, says more than 4,300 customers made reservations during the initial pilot program that ran between May and September.
She says the extension will allow BC Ferries to better track how foot passenger reservations are used, possibly allowing for the creation of more flexible fare options.
Service to the Gulf Islands is provided by several of the ferry corporation's smaller vessels and sailing waits are frequent for vehicle travellers, but during long weekends and holidays, traffic is so heavy that safety restrictions mean even walk-on passengers must wait for the next ship.
