Introduction

Have you ever struggled to secure a last-minute reservation on BC Ferries only to find the routes sold out? Well, a local Vancouver Island software developer has come up with an innovative solution that might just save your travel plans!

Meet the Developer

Meet Vadran Budimcic, who used his coding expertise to create a game-changing text messaging service called NextSailing.ca. This handy tool sends instant alerts whenever a spot opens on a fully booked ferry route, giving you a fighting chance to snag a ride when demand is high.

Inspiration Behind NextSailing

The inspiration for Budimcic’s invention struck when his wife faced repeated challenges booking a ferry at their preferred time. "After she struggled to get a reservation, I spent about an hour crafting a quick tool that would check the ferry schedule for her desired routes and send me a text if something became available," he shared. Within a mere day of the tool running autonomously, he received a notification and successfully booked a ticket for her.

Launch and Success

Initially intended for personal use, Budimcic's wife encouraged him to make the service available to everyone. Just 30 hours of work later, he launched a user-friendly website. This platform enables individuals to enter specific dates and sailing times, instantly receiving a text if a reservation becomes available.

Since going live, the site has attracted around 2,000 visitors, with approximately 300 users opting to enter their phone numbers for alerts. Budimcic noted a remarkable success rate, stating that 80 to 90 percent of users have received notifications, vastly improving their chances of securing last-minute ferry spots. "Many people are tired of constantly refreshing the BC Ferries website—there’s immense demand for a better solution," he emphasized.

BC Ferries' Perspective

BC Ferries spokesperson Liza Yuzda recognized the potential of Budimcic’s tool, deeming it "interesting," but also remarked that it was "too soon" to determine if they might implement a similar system themselves. She noted that the company is constantly exploring advanced technologies to enhance the travel experience. Recent improvements include a new BC Ferries app for managing travel information, service alerts, and live webcams at terminals for passengers to monitor conditions.

Future Plans and Conclusion

While Budimcic’s NextSailing service is currently free, he is accepting donations to cover the operational costs associated with hosting the website and sending text alerts. Currently tailored for passengers with regular-sized vehicles, Budimcic has plans to widen the service to accommodate larger vehicles in the future.

Imagine the difference this tool can make for travelers craving an adventure! Don’t miss out on your chance to explore the beautiful surroundings of British Columbia. With such a simple yet effective service, your ferry booking woes could soon be a thing of the past!