Jan. 18 heralds the start of tandem ferry service between Campbell River on Vancouver Island and Quadra Island: the number of sailings per week on the route will increase from 105 to up to 210 during peak hours.

Michael Lynch, chair of the Quadra Island - Cortes Island Ferry Advisory Committee, says he's grateful that the BC Ferry Corporation consulted with the committee and adopted their recommendations. This includes opting for two smaller hybrid diesel/electric Island Class vessels operating every half hour from each terminal, instead of a larger ship maintaining the once hourly schedule.

The committee believes the increased number of sailings will reduce the frequency of sailing waits as well as cut waiting times for customers.

Lynch is pleased with the level of communication between the Ferry Advisory Committee and the ferry corporation. He adds that it's better for citizens who have concerns or complaints to contact the committee directly, rather than BC Ferries, as the committee often receives a quicker response from the corporation than people who write directly.

Michael Lynch shares some of the details in the interview below with CKTZ News: