BC Ferries set to remove on-board arcades

BCFerries says plans are underway to remove arcades from its vesselsas the corporation's fleet of ships comes in for upgrades.

And it's blamingthe proliferation of personal electronic devices.

"Times are changing. People are bringing their own electronic devices to use on board and revenues from the arcades are down," spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said in an email.

"The spaces will be better used for more seating or expanding the size of gift shops."

BCFerries confirmed thatthe arcade wasremoved from the Queen of Oak Bay when the ship underwent her three-quarter life upgrade. The boat sails from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo.

Marshall said the space was turned into more seating for the snack bar area.

Arcades will be removed as other boats come in for mid or three-quarter life upgrades.