The BC Ferry Commissioner has set the preliminary cap on ferry fares at 1.9% a year, beginning in 2016.
The caps, if confirmed, will remain in place until March 30, 2020 and represent the maximum allowable increase in average fares.
Previous price caps were set at 4.1% in 2013, four per cent in 2014, and 3.9% in 2015.
Commissioner Gordon Macatee based his decision on BC Ferries' capital plan, cost projections, financial results and an efficiency plan.
Macatee can comment on the prelimary caps until June 30. He has to make a final decision by September 30.
Macatee called on BC Ferries to make further "productivity improvements" of $27.6 million.
He credited government and BC Ferries with creating a more efficient, affordable and sustainable service in order to permit fare caps below the rate of inflation.
