By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

BC Ferries has announced that January 18th marks the beginning of two vessel service between Campbell River on Vancouver Island and Quadra Island. The ships are part of the new hybrid diesel/electric Island Class series. They are replacing the 57 year old MV Powell River Queen currently operating on the route.

BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall acknowledged that the increased service was originally scheduled for this past summer and apologized to customers for the delay. The route has been plagued by a steady increase in sailing waits over the past several years, especially during the busy summer months. As of January 18th service will increase from 18 to up to 29 sailings per day, with one ship operating for 18 hours daily and the other for 12 hours daily during peak hours.

Marshall says the ferry corporation consulted with local ferry advisory committees and the general public to meet their wishes about the new ferries’ schedule.

Top image credit: A new BC Ferries Island Class Vessel sits at a dock on Quadra Island. Photo by Greg Osoba.