A new ride-sharing platform designed specifically for BC Ferries routes is launching ahead of the busy Easter weekend, offering travellers what its founder calls a more affordable and reliable alternative.
FerryShare, developed by a Victoria-based company, connects passengers with drivers who already hold ferry reservations, allowing for shared trips between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
CEO Ben Callin said he created the app in response to the high cost and long wait times often associated with ferry travel between Victoria and Vancouver.
“We built FerryShare so that getting on the ferry doesn’t have to mean choosing between an expensive reservation you booked months ago or a six-hour lineup at the terminal,” said Callin.
During peak travel periods such as long weekends, travellers without reservations can face waits of up to six hours at the Swartz Bay terminal, while reserved vehicle fares can exceed $130, said Callin. Public transit options are cheaper but typically involve multiple transfers and long travel times.
FerryShare aims to offer a middle ground. Passengers can book a ride with a driver already planning to travel on a reserved sailing, with trips from Victoria to Bridgeport Station priced at about $68, according to the company.
The model allows drivers to offset a portion of their ferry costs, while passengers gain access to a reserved sailing and a direct trip, Callin said.
FerryShare also includes features such as GPS check-in, identity verification, and a trust and safety system. The web-based app is now live, with iOS and Android versions expected to be released in the coming weeks.
For more information on how to use FerryShare’s services, visit ferryshare.com.