After a visit to Vancouver Island, we decided to take the Duke Point ferry to Tsawwassen rather than Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay. Since it was a Sunday during summer, we gave ourselves lots of time to get there.
When we arrived, there was a line-up of about 300 meters. One line.
A BC Ferries agent started asking cars if they had a reservation, and began routing them into the left lane. He soon stopped asking, at which point other cars began using the left lane, too. This left lane moved much faster than the lane we were in -- about two cars to our one.
When we were about 50 meters from the ticket booth, another agent came out and opened a third lane to our right. He began waving in cars that were behind us. At this point, we could have still switched lanes. Ignoring the well-known supermarket "rule" of taking the next in line, cars that arrived after us were now getting in line ahead of us.
We finally got to the booth and paid. The agent told us we would probably have a one-sail wait. I told him that they opened a lane next to us and took people behind us first, and that the lane to our left was moving much faster. To this, he replied, "lane 20. Have a nice day." I asked him what his name is. He looked down at his name badge and, noticing it was obscured by his hi-vis vest, smugly replied, "96586. My manager is in the booth to the left."
After getting in line, I went in and spoke to the manager. He was apologetic, and said he would speak to the agent at the end of his shift. Whether he followed through or not, I doubt ol' 96586 would pay much attention anyway.
With BC Ferries as the only choice for vehicle transportation to and from the Island, we are stuck dealing with disgruntled employees like this guy who hate their jobs and take pleasure in being complete dicks to the people who, quite honestly, just want the ferry ride to be over. Sailing waits are going to happen, but this was not the way it should have been handled. read more