December 16, 2008

Temporary changes to NH Connections/Eagle Transit ferry connector service on Haida Gwaii

Northern Health encourages passengers using the Eagle Transit ferry connector and medical travel service on Haida Gwaii to plan well ahead for travel between January 4th and February 5th 2009, as the service schedule is temporarily changed.

The Eagle Transit/NH Connections Ferry Connector bus schedule is being changed to coincide with flights chartered by BC Ferries to transport passengers between Skidegate and Prince Rupert while dock re-fit work is done. There will be no BC Ferries sailings between the two terminals from January 4th to February 5th.

The NH Connections Queen Charlotte Islands Ferry Connector will continue to provide transportation to and from the Skidegate Terminal and points on Graham Island on Sundays and Thursdays during this time, however passengers should take note of the following schedule changes:

• For travel to Skidegate Terminal, the bus will depart  Old Massett Health Center at 9:15am
• For travel from Skidegate Terminal, the bus will depart at 4pm

As the NH Connections bus will not be travelling on the Kwuna ferry between Alliford Bay and Skidegate Landing;, passengers will have to transfer at the Skidegate Terminal to a larger bus chartered by BC Ferries.  Passengers should be aware that this charter bus does not have a wheelchair lift. Similarly, incoming passengers will transfer at the Skidegate Terminal to the NH Connections bus for travel to QCC and Masset.

The NH Connections Ferry Connector service is available both to medical and non-medical passengers traveling between Old Massett and Queen Charlotte. Passengers traveling for medical reasons are eligible for a reduced fare. The schedule is based on Prince Rupert ferry arrivals and departures at and from Skidegate. 

Media contact: NH Communications media line (250) 961-7724