November 16, 2012 - 4:34 PM
VICTORIA - BC Ferries made some money in the last quarter, thanks to a boost in traffic for August and September.
British Columbia Ferries Services Inc. announced second quarter net earnings of $66.5 million.
The service says revenue also increased because it took in $7.4 million in ferry transportation fees from the B.C. government.
The announcements come just a month after BC Ferries said it would be increasing fares by 12 per cent over the next three years and represent a shift from a pattern of falling foot passenger and vehicle traffic numbers.
BC Ferries says its operating expenses increased slightly from $183.4 million to $184.5 million compared with the same time last year.
The government is expected to launch a series of community consultations looking at service cuts and fare increases facing smaller communities on ferry routes.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012