The much anticipated New Westminster ferry service connecting the Quay with Queensborough had its first sailings this past weekend, July 29th – 30th.
As expected, a great deal of people turned up to try out the brand new aquatic utility. As the first of its kind to appear in the area, it is both functional and fun.
It is called the Q2Q ferry and will run from August through September on Saturday, Sunday, and also on Labour Day Holidays. It will also operate on the BC Day Holiday. The ferry runs from from 9 am until 7 pm on these days.
For the month of August the Q2Q will also have evening runs from 5 – 9 pm.
Fares for adults are $2.00, children and seniors are $1.00, and children under 5 ride for free. Passengers must bring exact change or ferry tokens with them to the dock.
New Westminster Ferry Details
The Q2Q sailings schedule is as follows:
Downtown
First Sailing – 9:00 am
Sailings every 20 minutes except no sailing at 10:40 am, 1:20 pm, 1:40 pm or 4:40 pm
Last Sailing – 6:40 pm
Port Royal
First Sailing – 9:10 am
Sailings every 20 minutes except no sailing at 10:50 am, 1:30 pm, 1:50 pm or 4:50 pm
Last Sailing – 6:50 pm
While droves of people came out, forcing long waits, the service was free this past opening weekend. Once the fares are instated this could change.
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The New Westminster Quay is home to delectable eateries along the water, lively entertainment, and a plethora of unique shops and boutiques. The ferries are a fun way to draw people to New Westminster that many may not have considered it prior.
According to The New Westminster Record, the proposed water taxis, similar to those in false creek, were simply not suitable for transportation on the Fraser River. The river’s waters are tremendously fast flowing. The Q2Q vessels can accommodate such rapid waters and also more passengers.
The Queensborough bridge experiences tremendous congestion and therefore alternative modes of transportation were hotly debated for quite some time.
As a Queensborough resident we’re so happy to have the #QtoQ ferry @cityofnewwest #newwestminster #NewWest pic.twitter.com/lFCM7YTbL4
— Harry (@250to604HTP) July 29, 2017
