A report undertaken by B.C's comptroller general Cheryl Wenezenki-Yolland to review B.C. Ferries indicated the company should periodically re-evaluate, with public consultation, route service levels in order to balance long-term sustainability and fare-payers' interests.

The report, a review of the business operations of B.C. Ferries and how it can maximize efficiencies, was completed by Wenezenki-Yolland at the end of September. It was released to Transportation Minister Shirley Bond and other ministries for review before being made public today (Nov. 6).

The review offers more than 20 recommendations for B.C. Ferries in four categories including planning, governance, opportunities for efficiencies and funding.

A similar review was also performed for TransLink.

"This review is timely as it's been six years since B.C. Ferries was restructured and two years since TransLink was reorganized," said Bond in a release. "We believe it's important both organizations are meeting financial and service expectations that came with their new models."

Other significant recommendations for B.C. Ferries include:

• B.C. Ferry Authority board members should not sit on the BC Ferry Services Inc. board of directors

• The authority should exercise shareholder powers, including appointment and renewal of board members using competency-based criteria

• Increase responsibilities of the B.C. Ferry Commission to protect the interests of ratepayers and customers

• Make company and B.C. Ferry Authority subject to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

"We'll take some time to thoroughly review the report," said Bond. "And we will also discuss the report's finding with the B.C. Ferries board."