{April 8, 2011}  VICTORIA, BC - Consumer Protection BC has confirmed that Gray Line West of Victoria BC has ceased operations effective immediately.  Gray Line West offered year-round sightseeing tours and charter coach services in Victoria, British Columbia.

Gray Line West indicated that all impacted consumers have been contacted and arrangements have been made with other bus line companies to provide these consumers their travel services.  These companies are Cruise Victoria, Wilson’s Bus Lines and Transport Management Services.

If you are impacted by the closure contact the alternate company that will be providing your travel services.

Consumer Protection BC is taking this opportunity to remind consumers to book through a licensed BC travel agent to receive the added protection of the Travel Assurance Fund.  To confirm that a business is licensed, look for the Consumer Protection logo on their website and in their office location or simply visit www.travelrightsbc.ca.

The Travel Assurance Fund, under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the BC Travel Industry Regulation, protects both consumers and travel agents licensed in British Columbia in their transactions. The Fund provides compensation for consumers who did not receive the contracted travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.

There’s a lot to know about the Travel Assurance Fund and eligibility. For questions about the Travel Assurance Fund, please contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963.

Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforce consumer protection laws. We balance the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and businesses. We license and inspect specific industries, respond to inquiries through our Inquiry Centre, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under the law.  For more information about our organization, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.