Commuters Speak Up for Iconic Ferries 
|
|
Friday 27 July 2007 Almost 200 local commuters attended Thursday’s public forum in Harbord to tell the head of the ferry inquiry that Manly ferries are iconic and the service must not be downgraded. Member for Manly Mike Baird, who organised the forum, said it was clear residents are passionate about their ferry service and appreciated the opportunity to have their say. “There was a range of views expressed but overall the feeling is the ferry service is vital to Manly but it needs to be better managed – for the sake of the passengers, staff and taxpayers,” Mr Baird said. The event saw people across the political spectrum unite, with Manly Mayor Peter Macdonald, Greens member Sarah Weate, and Liberal Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard calling for a better integrated public transport system. Commissioner Mr Bret Walker SC said although he couldn’t pre-empt the findings of the Inquiry, ensuring that buses connected with the ferry service was an “irresistibly good point”. Customer service, maintenance and safety were other crucial areas that had been neglected, according to Mr Baird and must be addressed in the Inquiry’s recommendations. “I have proposed seven key priorities as the parameters by which we benchmark any proposed changes. Commuters simply will not accept any reduction in services nor should they have to dip into their pockets to make up for past mismanagement,” Mr Baird said. Residents who were not able to attend the public forum can still make submissions to the Inquiry by logging on to www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/sfi MEDIA: Lisa Harrington 0406 726 880 Add to:          Write Comment
|
||||||
