Bus
Parking Fees and Bus Annual Parking Pass
Questions and Answers
Q: Why do you charge for parking?
A: In January 2003, government announced a new model for park, fish and
wildlife recreation to protect and expand recreation opportunities
while maintaining conservation. In keeping with the revenue recommendations,
parking fees were introduced in 27 parks in 2003 and a further 13
parks in 2004. During the 1990s, the size of the parks system increased,
but funding declined. As a result, today there is a facilities maintenance
backlog of about $40 million in provincial parks. Campgrounds and
day use area operations and maintenance continue to be subsidized
by the general taxpayer. These modest fees will help reduce that
burden, as revenue collected will remain within the park system.
Q: Did you consult with the public before introducing these fees?
A: User
fees and a park stewardship pass were recommended by the independent Recreation
Stewardship Panel, appointed in May 2002. The panel received
input from a range of organizations and the public. What the panel learned was that people would be willing to pay for parking or for
an annual parking pass if they could be assured that all revenues
would go back into the provision of park recreation services.
Q:Where are bus parking fees collected?
A: There
are 13 provincial parks from the Thompson
and Okanagan areas, 27 provincial parks from the Lower
Mainland and Vancouver Island areas, and 1 provincial
park from the Omineca area
of British Columbia charging bus parking fees.
Q: How do your bus parking fees compare to those in other jurisdictions?
A: The
new Bus Annual Pass and day passes offer rates significantly below
those of Parks Canada and the Vancouver Park Board. As of April 1,
2005, the Parks Canada fee will be $4.50 - $5.50 per passenger per
park per day for buses (E.g. One visit for a 25-seater bus would
cost $112.50-$137.50). For Queen Elizabeth Park or Stanley Park,
an annual bus parking pass would cost between $425 and $850, depending
on the size of the bus.
Q: I understand the money collected goes back into the park system but does it go into the park where it is collected, to fix the trails, facilities, etc.?
A: Benefits
from the revenues collected are not limited to fee-collecting parks
but are spread throughout the system.
Q: What happens if I do not pay the day parking fee?
A: Under
section 23(1) of the Park and Recreation Area Regulation and the
Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation, violators
may be fined $58.00 for non-payment of vehicle parking fees and for
other illegal parking. A vehicle may be towed away at the vehicle owner’s
expense and without any warning if the vehicle is parked:
- a) without payment of the vehicle parking fee,
- b) other than in designated parking areas,
- c) on the traveled portion of park roads,
- d) in a manner which impedes the proper use of a park road,
- e) in a manner which damages vegetation, or
- f) in a manner which restricts or inhibits recreational use of the park.
Q: When and where can I purchase a Bus Annual Pass?
A: A
Bus Annual Pass can be purchased, which allows unlimited bus parking
in all these parks. The cost is $250.00 (including all taxes) for
12 months from the date of purchase. The Bus Annual Pass is transferable
between company buses. Click here for more information on how to purchase
a Bus Annual Pass.
Q: Is the Bus Annual Pass transferable?
A: The Bus Annual Pass is transferable between company buses.
Q: If I lose my bus annual pass, will it be replaced?
A:No, Bus Annual Passes are non-replaceable (and non-refundable).
Q: If I purchase a daily bus parking ticket, can I receive a refund or credit if I decide to purchase a bus annual pass at a later date?
A:No, the daily parking ticket cannot be reimbursed or credited towards an annual parking pass.
Q: If I purchase a daily bus parking ticket at one park, is it valid at another park for the same day?
A: Yes, the daily bus parking ticket is valid on the date of purchase for any number of parks where parking fees are in place.
Q: Are day parking fees still in effect in provincial parks during special events?
A: Parking fees are collected during special events. This policy is consistent with the government's principle of user pay for recreational services. Other municipal, regional, provincial and federal park agencies collect parking fees during special events.
Q: Are day parking fees charged when dropping off or picking up passengers?
A: Parking fees are not charged if simply dropping off or picking up passengers.
Q: How are buses defined?
A: Buses are defined as motor vehicles designed to carry more than 10 persons.
