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Manly MP Mike Baird said the tender for Manly’s fast ferry should be determined on who can provide the best service, not who can return the most money to Government.
“As the Government has not specified a fixed price for wharf access in the contract, there is a risk it will turn into a bidding war,” Mr Baird said.
“We don’t want to see private operators offering huge amounts for wharf access and that being used as the principal factor in who gets the tender.
“A reasonable fixed price should be set for wharf access and then the tenders can be assessed on who offers the best customer service, highest quality vessels and lowest fares.
“As we saw in the Cross City Tunnel and Lane Cove Tunnel, it is the community that suffers when the Government leverages infrastructure, or in this case transport, to boost revenue.
“Last November the Government axed Manly’s fast ferry service because it was costing them too much.
“Now it is costing them nothing and they are getting money back from the use of the wharf.
“The Government can’t now turn the service into a revenue grab, as that cost will be passed on to the customer through higher fares or lower service.
“The successful tenderer must be the one who will provide the best service to the community – not who will pay the Government the most money.”
Mr Baird said the first tender for the fast ferry service closes on 27 August, with the contract beginning on 1 April 2010 for a duration of five years.
“For the past six months the Manly community has enjoyed a fast ferry service that has had no breakdowns, 100 percent on-time performance and excellent customer service. “We don’t want to see that end because the Government has seen an opportunity to raise revenue.”
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
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