Who wants to eat ferry food?
The news is good for all those holding up their hands in reply.
BC Ferries recently announced the reopening of onboard amenities for several routes, including two serving Powell River: Westview/Little River and Saltery Bay/Earls Cove.
The hot food available will be served in packaging for hungry travellers to take back to a vehicle, onto an outer deck or a spot within the cafeteria seating space, which will be limited. How hungry do you have to be to resort to the onboard offerings?
Who knows what the menu items will be, and whatever they are, will they be enough to coax people out of the confines of their vehicles, which, by all accounts, is the safest place to be during the trip.
Those who have been using the ferry since relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions are used to planning ahead, knowing food is not available during the crossings. Is that going to change? In addition to being more cost effective, homemade meals are likely a healthier option, and then there’s the whole two metres distance, not touching anything, mask wearing, and so on. Is it worth the risk?
No one should be concerned about starving while on the 50-minute crossing to Earls Cove, or the 90-minute trip to Little River, even without stocking up with treats or a light meal from home.
Missing a ferry or being left behind at Saltery Bay, Little River or Earls Cove is more of a concern. Stranded and frustrated passengers at those locations are left with no options, other than the dreaded vending machines.
With the reopening, the ferry corporation is offering convenience. Is that enough to entice passengers to leave the car deck?
