A commentary by the president and CEO of B.C. Ferries.

Several incorrect statements appeared in a Dec. 15 commentary about B.C. Ferries’ governance, vessel performance and ferry service on the route serviced by the Baynes Sound Connector.

These statements need to be clarified – especially since they are based on publicly available information.

Ferry service is essential to coastal communities, and when disruptions occur, the impacts are immediate and personal.

At the same time, individual routes operate within a broader coastal ferry system that serves more than 22 million passengers annually across 25 routes and 47 terminals, many of which are located in geographically dispersed and challenging marine environments.

Decisions about vessels, sailing schedules and investments need to be made at a system level — balancing local needs with overall reliability, safety and sustainability. That context matters.

Suggestions that B.C. Ferries operates without oversight are not........

© Times Colonist