Latest news with #Ferries
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Traffic jam warning for holidaymakers at Port of Dover
Traffic congestion persists at the Port of Dover as holidaymakers and freight lorries continue to arrive. Vehicles are moving slowly through Dover and down Jubilee Way towards the Kent port. The Port of Dover Travel account on X reported a 50-minute processing time at the entrance this Saturday morning. While P&O Ferries traffic is now free-flowing, DFDS and Irish Ferries are experiencing increased queues, according to the social media post. Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover, said earlier this week his organisation has been 'preparing for a busy summer' and have brought in measures to 'minimise disruption'. He said: 'We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too. 'That's why we've boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting – all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season.' Port of Dover say they are expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend and more than 270,000 in the next six weeks.
Observer
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Is carpooling an option in Muscat to reduce traffic, parking woes?
Muscat: Muscat Municipality is encouraging travellers in Oman to consider carpooling as a sustainable and economically efficient solution in the field of mobility. The civic body claims that carpooling will contribute to reducing the environmental impact and decongesting traffic, while also promoting solidarity and interaction between people who opt for this type of transport. While carpooling in itself is not a trend in Muscat among road users, the concept of shared taxis was quite popular in the country till a few years ago, particularly among the lowly-paid expatriates who could not afford to engage a taxi for daily commuting to offices and home. The shared taxi concept has seen a decline in recent times, with the growing popularity of app-based ride services and the development of the bus network in the capital and across the country. Other benefits of carpooling include pollution reduction as sharing vehicles reduces the number of cars on the road, which reduces emissions, contributing to the improvement of air quality and reducing the carbon footprint. By reducing the number of cars on the road, traffic congestion is also reduced, resulting in faster journeys and less stress for drivers Co-passengers can share transport costs, which allows them to reduce their expenses, and most importantly, carpooling will help to alleviate the demand for parking spaces in urban areas. Meanwhile, public transport has been gaining acceptance in the Sultanate as Mwasalat carried more than 4,750,000 (4.7 million) passengers in 2024 at the rate of 12,000 daily passengers. The Ferries carried 244,862 passengers and 60,000 vehicles at a rate of 671 daily passengers. The percentage of Omani passengers in intercity buses was 26.89% and 75% for Ferries. The percentage of Omanisation in the company is 94.85 percent. It may be noted that the first phase of public transport in Oman was between 2015-2018, which saw the introduction of bus services on main and secondary routes, streamlining of taxis, and improvement of the walkways. The second phase, which started in 2019 and will end this year, includes the expansion of bus services with new routes, dedicated bus lines, and the provision of new bus stations. The third phase (2026-2040) will witness the progress on the development of the Muscat metro and the introduction of water taxis. According to Market Research Future, the growing popularity of ridesharing platforms and specific carpooling applications can be attributed to their cost-effectiveness, affordability, and ecological advantages. Furthermore, government programs and rewards are contributing to the market expansion for carpooling. The market for carpooling offers opportunities for integrating technology, such as smooth payments, real-time ride matching, and dynamic route optimization.
The Province
04-07-2025
- The Province
Man faces charges after trying to drive Tesla off moving Gulf Islands ferry
A man who tried to drive his Tesla off a moving ferry and allegedly struck at least one B.C. Ferries employee on Canada Day faces five charges, including assault with a weapon. A man who tried to drive his Tesla off a moving ferry and allegedly struck at least one B.C. Ferries employee on Canada Day faces five charges, including assault with a weapon. Photo by Ken Bradshaw / PNG A man who tried to drive his Tesla off a moving ferry and allegedly struck at least one B.C. Ferries employee on Canada Day faces five charges, including assault with a weapon. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Witnesses said the man was behaving bizarrely leading up to the incident on the Queen of Cumberland travelling from Mayne Island to Swartz Bay terminal at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday. '[The] driver of a Tesla seemed to give staff a lot of trouble getting on the boat, and then didn't really follow their directions, but drove to the front centre of the boat, as if he wanted to be first off,' passenger Martin Farnham told the Times Colonist. The passenger said staff let the man stay at the front of the vessel, 'but then mid-sailing, he got out and started frantically washing his car, possibly in his underwear,' using bottled water and paper towels. 'He was just being really weird, very agitated,' said Farnham, who shared video of the event. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The man later opened the gate at the front of the ferry and drove forward as if he was going to drive overboard, said Farnham. 'We're in the middle of the voyage, off Pender Island, it's dark and I'm thinking what the hell is this guy doing? You don't mess with that gate,' said Farnham. 'He was yelling at ferry staff who came out to talk to him. He would drive the car forward like he's trying to drive off the ferry, then back it up and drive it forward again. 'Every time he did that, everyone on the car deck thought: 'Is this the time he's going to drive over the edge?' ' B.C. Ferries staff tried to talk to the man and calm him down, and the ferry stopped for a brief time, said Farnham. 'People tried to [block] his tires, but he'd drive over them,' said Farnham, adding the man would hit the brakes just before going overboard. 'At times, he was backing up aggressively at people. At one point, he hit one of the ferry staff. He was super-agitated.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Farnham said the man was 'almost certainly' in some sort of mental-health crisis. 'What I had heard from other passengers is that he was late for an appointment and he wanted Ferries to hurry things up.' Another witness, Pratham Khowala, told CHEK News he saw the man try to hit two people with his vehicle. When the ferry arrived at Swartz Bay, Sidney/North Saanich RCMP were waiting. Police cruisers blocked the ramp as the ferry approached just after 11:30 p.m. Three officers dragged the man from his car and arrested him. Farnham said when the ferry docked, the man was 'ready to make a run for it, but got back into his car.' Khowala said B.C. Ferries staff acted quickly and helped passengers feel safe, ushering them to the upper decks and out of harm's way. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Const. Benje Bartley of Sidney/North Saanich RCMP said that as a result of the police investigation, the B.C. Prosecution Service has approved five charges against the man: assault with a weapon, two counts of mischief, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and obstruction. None of the charges have been proved in court. The man has been remanded for a court appearance. Shiryn Sayani, senior communications adviser for B.C. Ferries, said Thursday the company is conducting an internal review to understand what occurred and whether additional safety measures are needed. Sayani noted that while no injuries were reported in the Canada Day incident, it followed another incident on Saturday in which an individual assaulted crew members after refusing to leave the lower vehicle deck on the Spirit of British Columbia as it was travelling from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on a 7 a.m. sailing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The man was taken into custody by police upon arrival at Swartz Bay and faces charges of assault and mischief. The incidents are a reminder of the difficult situations B.C. Ferries crews can sometimes face, said Sayani. 'Our teams show up every day to provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience for everyone on board, and they deserve to be treated with courtesy and care.' Anyone with information regarding Tuesday's incident is asked to contact the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931. dkloster@ Read More
Vancouver Sun
04-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Man faces charges after trying to drive Tesla off moving Gulf Islands ferry
A man who tried to drive his Tesla off a moving ferry and allegedly struck at least one B.C. Ferries employee on Canada Day faces five charges, including assault with a weapon. Witnesses said the man was behaving bizarrely leading up to the incident on the Queen of Cumberland travelling from Mayne Island to Swartz Bay terminal at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday. '[The] driver of a Tesla seemed to give staff a lot of trouble getting on the boat, and then didn't really follow their directions, but drove to the front centre of the boat, as if he wanted to be first off,' passenger Martin Farnham told the Times Colonist. The passenger said staff let the man stay at the front of the vessel, 'but then mid-sailing, he got out and started frantically washing his car, possibly in his underwear,' using bottled water and paper towels. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'He was just being really weird, very agitated,' said Farnham, who shared video of the event. The man later opened the gate at the front of the ferry and drove forward as if he was going to drive overboard, said Farnham. 'We're in the middle of the voyage, off Pender Island, it's dark and I'm thinking what the hell is this guy doing? You don't mess with that gate,' said Farnham. 'He was yelling at ferry staff who came out to talk to him. He would drive the car forward like he's trying to drive off the ferry, then back it up and drive it forward again. 'Every time he did that, everyone on the car deck thought: 'Is this the time he's going to drive over the edge?' ' B.C. Ferries staff tried to talk to the man and calm him down, and the ferry stopped for a brief time, said Farnham. 'People tried to [block] his tires, but he'd drive over them,' said Farnham, adding the man would hit the brakes just before going overboard. 'At times, he was backing up aggressively at people. At one point, he hit one of the ferry staff. He was super-agitated.' Farnham said the man was 'almost certainly' in some sort of mental-health crisis. 'What I had heard from other passengers is that he was late for an appointment and he wanted Ferries to hurry things up.' Another witness, Pratham Khowala, told CHEK News he saw the man try to hit two people with his vehicle. When the ferry arrived at Swartz Bay, Sidney/North Saanich RCMP were waiting. Police cruisers blocked the ramp as the ferry approached just after 11:30 p.m. Three officers dragged the man from his car and arrested him. Farnham said when the ferry docked, the man was 'ready to make a run for it, but got back into his car.' Khowala said B.C. Ferries staff acted quickly and helped passengers feel safe, ushering them to the upper decks and out of harm's way. Const. Benje Bartley of Sidney/North Saanich RCMP said that as a result of the police investigation, the B.C. Prosecution Service has approved five charges against the man: assault with a weapon, two counts of mischief, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and obstruction. None of the charges have been proved in court. The man has been remanded for a court appearance. Shiryn Sayani, senior communications adviser for B.C. Ferries, said Thursday the company is conducting an internal review to understand what occurred and whether additional safety measures are needed. Sayani noted that while no injuries were reported in the Canada Day incident, it followed another incident on Saturday in which an individual assaulted crew members after refusing to leave the lower vehicle deck on the Spirit of British Columbia as it was travelling from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on a 7 a.m. sailing. The man was taken into custody by police upon arrival at Swartz Bay and faces charges of assault and mischief. The incidents are a reminder of the difficult situations B.C. Ferries crews can sometimes face, said Sayani. 'Our teams show up every day to provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience for everyone on board, and they deserve to be treated with courtesy and care.' Anyone with information regarding Tuesday's incident is asked to contact the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931. dkloster@
Vancouver Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Ottawa supporting B.C. in creating jobs in China
VICTORIA — B.C. Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez expects to save hundreds of millions of dollars in interest payments on the purchase of four ferries from China thanks to a low-interest loan from a Canadian government agency. 'It's a huge deal,' said Jimenez, who hailed the loan as 'an extraordinary show of support' from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. 'It provides enormous savings for us over the term of the agreement,' the Ferries boss told Gregor Craigie of CBC Victoria. 'If we fully exercise the loan, we'd be saving about $650 million in interest charges.' The $1 billion loan — $690 million for the vessels and a further $310 million for electrification infrastructure — comes with an interest rate of 1.8 per cent, significantly below the Bank of Canada rate of 2.75 per cent and the prime rate of 4.95 per cent. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The loan would appear to cover much of the cost of the purchase. While Jimenez has declined to disclose the exact price tag, he says that the rival European bids would have cost $1.2 billion more or roughly 'double' what Ferries will pay China for the four vessels. Jimenez discussed the favourable terms the same day as news of the loan was broken by Bill Curry of the Globe and Mail. The bank finally confirmed the loan, though the bank and ferries had signed the agreement on March 28 and the first of four payments was advanced on May 22. The news prompted an immediate response from federal Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, whose Liberal government has been critical of the decision to purchase the ships from China as opposed to domestic shipyards. 'Robertson has asked for a briefing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank's CEO on the kind of considerations this decision raises,' said the statement from his office. Fair to ask why a federal agency for promoting Canadian infrastructure is putting up a $1 billion low-interest loan to underwrite shipbuilding jobs in China. Robertson, who represents a Vancouver riding, should also seek a full accounting from his federal cabinet colleague, Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland. Just last week Freeland expressed 'great consternation and disappointment' about the China deal in a letter to her provincial counterpart, Mike Farnworth. She sought assurances that no federal funding for B.C. Ferries would be used to fund any part of the contract with China. The letter made no mention of the $1 billion loan from the infrastructure bank. The lapse justified Premier David Eby's response to Freeland that the federal minister should 'mind your own business.' Freeland and Robertson are not the only politicians who've tried to take some distance from the B.C. Ferries purchase. When the decision to go with China was announced earlier this month, Farnworth put out a critical statement as well. He also maintained that B.C. Ferries is independent of government, a claim not supported by the evidence. The chair of B.C. Ferries is Joy MacPhail, a former NDP cabinet minister. When Premier John Horgan installed her as chair in 2022, she immediately fired CEO Mark Collins (at a severance cost in the $1 million range) and replaced him with Jimenez. The board of the B.C. Ferry Authority, which 'oversees the strategic direction of B.C. Ferries in the public interest,' includes Marie Della Mattia, who managed the NDP's re-election campaign, Claire Trevena, a former NDP transportation minister and advocate of building ships in B.C., Gary Coons, a former NDP MLA, and Laird Cronk, the former head of the B.C. Federation of Labour. The notion that they would have endorsed a strategic direction at odds with the NDP government is nothing short of preposterous. Besides, Jimenez says the New Democrats were being kept in the loop as far back as last summer. 'This is really a B.C. Ferries decision and a B.C. Ferries managed process,' Jimenez told Jas Johal of CKNW radio last week. 'But certainly we have been keeping the province aware of this procurement for well over a year — helping them understand what the timelines look like, helping them understand what criteria we're going to use to evaluate the winning bid, how we would incorporate Canadian content into our evaluation criteria. These conversations have taken place over many, many, many, many months — as far back as last summer.' Jimenez says it is too late to reverse the deal without severe penalties. 'The contract is signed,' he said. 'But the question I would put to people is what options would people say we should go with? If the option was you should just build domestically — well that's not possible. 'The (Canadian) yards themselves have told us, I'm sorry, we don't have the capability to deliver your ships in your time frame and we (B.C. Ferries) don't have the luxury of waiting.' Perhaps the need for a fifth, backup ship provides a way out for senior governments. The request was turned down by the independent ferry commissioner. But the federal and provincial governments could ask for bids to construct the fifth ship with as much Canadian content as possible. It could then be leased to B.C. Ferries as a replacement vessel. vpalmer@
