Q to Q Ferry at the Komagata Maru Docks

How do I find the ferry terminals?

Wayfinding and directional signage is installed to provide directions to the Q to Q Ferry terminals at the Komagata Maru docks.

Where should I wait for the ferry to arrive?

• At the Komagata Maru Dock in Quayside, please wait on the timber promenade at the top of the ramp to allow the exiting passengers a clear route.
• At the Komagata Maru Dock in Queensborough, there is a paved area a few metres down from the walkway from the gate.
• Please keep noise levels to a respectable level.
   

Can I bring my dog or cat?

Yes, your leashed and licensed dog is welcome on board but may not enter the cabin. You and your pet can ride on the outdoor area on the back of the boat. Your cat or other small pet in a kennel is acceptable. Your pet does not need a ticket.

Please be aware that humans are given priority over pets and in the event of allergies of other passengers or space limitations on board, you and your pet may need to wait for the next sailing.

Why don’t people wear life jackets on the Q to Q Ferry?

While on the open deck of the Q to Q Ferry, wearing a life-jacket is considered prudent, but it is not required by law. However, it is not recommended that life-jackets be worn inside the passenger cabin as this could impede escape in an emergency.

If you are concerned about safety, or have questions, please discuss your concerns with a crew member and they will be able to advise you.

In all cases, you should ensure that:

• you know where the life-jackets are located;
• they are easily accessible;
• they fit

​Safety is a shared responsibility – shared between the boat operator and the passenger. While Transport Canada is responsible for establishing the safety requirements and inspecting vessels to verify compliance, passengers are expected to take precautionary measures to enhance their own safety, and the safety of people in their care, while on the Q to Q Ferry. This includes making sure you get the information you need for a safe trip and ensuring that children in your care are appropriately supervised. Before the vessel leaves the Komagata Maru dock, parents or guardians have the right to ask crew members to confirm there are sufficient life-jackets of the right size for children accompanying them on the outing, and to know where they are located.

Is the ferry accessible?

While the Ferry vessels are outfitted to allow equitable access for all users including those with mobility aids, passengers should use caution, particularly during loading/unloading, given the dynamic river conditions that can impact the vessels. The ferry vessels are equipped with sloped ramps to accommodate wheeled mobility aids, as well as tie downs for wheelchairs. The ferry operator will aid passengers upon request.

Are the docks accessible?

Although 100% independent access is the goal of universal accessibility, the tidal nature of the Fraser River paired with the existing ferry terminal infrastructure is prohibitive to achieving a universally accessible dock. There will be periods of time, particularly at the Komagata Maru dock in Queensborough when passengers should use the docks with extreme caution.

What is the City doing to make the service accessible?

• The ferry vessels are designed to enable people of all abilities to get onto and off of the ferry independently; however, passengers should use caution using the docks and vessels given the dynamic river conditions.
• The ferry operator will always be available to provide assistance to passengers up and down the ramps, and on/off the ferry when requested.
• Additional crew will be located at the terminal for the Komagata Maru dock in Queensborough during busy travel times to assist passengers when requested.
  Information about gangway slopes will be provided on the Q to Q website and at the ferry terminals at least one week in advance so passengers are able to plan trips based on gangway slope access to the docks independently and safely.

What’s the difference between full fare and concession?

Full fare is for people aged 19-64. A concession fare is for children aged 13-18, seniors 65+, and persons with disabilities.

Do kids need a ticket?

Children aged 0-12 do not require a ticket. Children aged 13-18 require a concession fare.

Where can I buy tickets and passes in advance?

• You may purchase tickets and passes online. Once completed, you may pick up your ticket, punch card, or monthly pass from the vessel.
• You may also purchase monthly passes, punch cards and tickets onboard the vessels.

Can I pay with cash on board?

Yes, provided you bring exact change. The crew does not handle cash and cannot provide change. The vessel also accepts credit and debit cards that can tap. Monthly passes and punch cards are available onboard as well.

What is the ferry vessel like?

The two vessels are both 28-ft in length and are fitted with reliable, efficient, and quiet engines that are adequately powered for the ferry service and Fraser River conditions. The ferry vessels have seating for all passengers and a heated cabin.
The vessels are named the Bowen Guardian and the Bowen Belle.

Can I take my bicycle?

Yes. The ferry can take up to 4 bicycles per trip at no extra cost.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The ferry can take up to two wheelchairs per trip. Please see the accessibility section for more information.

How many people can fit?

The vessels can carry a maximum of 12 passengers, 2 crew, 2 wheelchairs and 4 bicycles.

Can I take a stroller?

Yes. Strollers are welcome on board. 

Are there washrooms on board?

The vessels are not equipped with washrooms due to the crossing only being 5 minutes. There are public, accessible washrooms within a few minutes’ walk of both landings.

Service levels are typically increased throughout the spring and summer, and decreased in the fall and winter. The current schedule can be found here. Service levels continue to be evaluated and adjusted based on demand and resources.

Why aren’t spring/summer levels maintained year-round?

Reduced demand: Demand for the Q to Q Ferry is lower in the fall and winter months than in the spring and summer. By maintained reduced schedule during the months when demand tends to be lower, we will be able to offer a more fulsome schedule in the months when demand is greater.

Reduced revenue: As a result of reduced demand for the service, the ferry is generating less than anticipated revenue. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the third-party partnerships and sponsorship opportunities previously anticipated have been put on hold, again resulting in less revenue.

To best meet the needs of the community while working within the hours available from the approved budget, the current schedule is based on reviews of monthly ridership data as well as feedback from a community survey. Additional information about the survey can be found here.

When does the current ferry operator’s contract expire? Will service continue through to the end of the expiry date?

The contract with BLaST, the current ferry operator, was originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2024. The contract was extended to August 25, 2025, due to a pause in service as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Service is anticipated to continue through to the end of the contract pending 2025 budget approval.

When will the new service contract go out for tender? What is the term for the new contract?

Staff are currently planning to proceed with a more rigorous procurement process to select a preferred vendor from the qualified vendors identified as part of the request for expression of interest posted in the summer of 2024. This process is expected to commence in the fall/winter of 2024, and should be completed in the spring of 2025. The term for the new contract will likely be five years.

When the new contract is confirmed, will the City notify the public?

Yes, the City will inform the community once a decision has been made using various communication channels such as a media release, social media posts, website updates, Citypage notices, and emails with key interest groups.

Where can residents find more information on the costs associated with the Q to Q ferry service?

Funding for the Q to Q is dependent on the annual budget approval process. Costs associated with providing service includes, but is not limited to, fuel costs, dredging work, dock maintenance, and staffing costs. 2024 operating costs are projected to be approximately $825,000 with projected revenue from tickets sales expected to be $125,000, resulting in $700,000 to be covered from general revenue. Ongoing maintenance work needed to support the service is budgeted at approximately $250,000 per year and is covered from the City’s capital budget. Ferry service costs are summarized in the Queensborough Transportation Plan starting on page 49.

What portion of Provincial gambling revenue is allocated to the operation of the Q to Q ferry?

A one-time allotment of $2.725M was allocated to the Q to Q Ferry program. This funding expired at the end of 2023. Funds were originally designated for a Queensborough waterfront pedestrian bridge; however, this was amended once the feasibility of the bridge was deemed a long-term exploration.

Does the City collect metrics or data on Q to Q usage rates and impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods? How can this information be accessed?

As part of the service agreement, the operator is required to record and report ridership data. This is recorded per boat trip, and aggregated ridership data (e.g., daily, monthly, yearly) is generated by direction. Ridership is also broken down by fare type (e.g., free, single-ride ticket, or monthly pass, etc.) as well as mobility device (e.g., bike, wheelchair, etc.). Impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods are not currently measured and evaluated. Ridership information is not currently presented to the public directly, but a strategy to disseminate that data, along with operating costs, is being developed.

Has the City considered business sponsorship to help offset operating costs?

The City has looked for sponsorship opportunities since the beginning of the service, and while some have materialized, the total value has been significantly lower than anticipated in the original budget. Additionally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are less interested in committing to a sponsorship. 

The City previously indicated fares would not increase for 2025; however, some members from the community have expressed they could tolerate a slight fare increase to support the ferry service. Would the City consider increasing fares to help offset costs?

Yes, the City would consider increasing fares; however, ridership data indicates the majority of passengers are not regular users of the ferry service and a price increase would likely result in a decrease in ridership, with no overall increase in total revenue

How does the Q to Q fit into the overall Queensborough Transportation Plan (QTP)?

The service provides a reliable connection between Queensborough and the mainland.  Engagement completed as part of the development of QTP indicated the ferry is a well-liked service and that residents want it to continue while feasibility of a fixed bridge is further explored. There are a number of opportunities (e.g. direct route, low capital costs) and challenges (e.g. higher overall costs in the long-run, vulnerability to external contractor pricing, dredging, etc.) with operating the service, compared to an alternative like a fixed bridge, all detailed in the QTP.

How does the City develop and approve the annual Q to Q ferry budget?

In order to maintain affordable rider rates for the Q to Q Ferry, the City subsidizes the ferry service with a fixed amount of funding that is approved by Council every year. The fixed amount serves as the “ceiling”, and along with the ferry operator’s hourly rate, determines the total service hours that can be provided for the year. The total service hours is then used to develop the schedule, which aims to ensure reliable service covering the typical daily peak travel hours.