March 17, 2020 - 11:13 AM
VICTORIA - BC Ferries is relaxing its restriction on passengers remaining in their vehicles on enclosed car decks to help people maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ferry service says the decision to allow passengers to remain in their vehicles will be accompanied by new safety measures.
It says the decision was made after collaboration between Transport Canada and the Canadian Ferry Association to give ferry operators more flexibility.
BC Ferries says in a statement that passengers are normally kept off closed car decks to ensure their safety in an emergency.
As a result of the temporary change in policy, the ferry service says it will increase patrols on the car decks of its vessels.
It is also increasing cleaning on board its ferries and at its terminals, and the service has closed its buffet service.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2020.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2020