Island Ferry Service has been selected as the preferred operator of a potential passenger service between Nanaimo and Vancouver.
Island Ferry Services operations director, David Marshall, says,"it's a good first step, it’s taken a long time to get to this point."
The location of the terminals is yet to be determined. The Victoria-based company says it’s in discussions with potential sites in Vancouver and continues to search for a terminal in Nanaimo.
Marshall says once negotiations are complete, it could take up to six months to start service on the route.
Fares will range, but could start at $24 one way, he says.