VICTORIA, B.C. — The B.C. government has made amendments to three transportation statutes, one of which allows the province to charge user fees for inland ferry services.

Transportation Minister, Judith Reid, says the inland ferries will no longer be fully subsidized by government.

“At present, there are severe inequities in the way ferry services are provided across the province,” says Reid. “Coastal ferry routes are operated by B.C. Ferries and charge user fees, whereas ministry-operated inland ferry routes are 100 per cent subsidized by government.”

Tolls will be implemented on most routes by the end of this year.

Another amendment eliminates the requirement to use the ministry seal on contracts, in an effort to eliminate red tape, streamline processes and prevent delays and costs.