Ferry Inquiry Must Improve Services, Not Reduce Them 
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The Commissioner of Inquiry into Sydney Ferries has been urged to hear the voice of Manly commuters amid rumours the JetCat service will be scrapped until a more efficient vessel is made. “We have one message for Bret Walker, and indeed the Minister as he reviews the recommendations: Hear our voice. We want to use the service and we ask the Government to address our concerns,” Manly MP Mike Baird told Parliament on Thursday. Mr Baird said he is disturbed by reports on the weekend that the inquiry is likely to lead to reduced services while changes are implemented. “If the recommendation is that the JetCat be replaced by a more efficient vessel then this should not happen until the replacement vessel is available. Commuters should not have to suffer further cuts because of past mismanagement,” Mr Baird said. Commissioner Bret Walker is due to deliver his full recommendations to the Minister for Transport, John Watkins, on Wednesday. “Sydney Ferries has not been well managed and I think commuters recognise that an overhaul is required. Over the past five years revenue has increased 14 per cent, however expenses have increased 46 per cent. “It is not fair to expect commuters to face further cuts to services while improvements are delivered. I urge John Watkins to ensure this doesn’t happen.” Approximately 200 local residents expressed their concerns to Mr Walker at a forum hosted by Mr Baird in July. There was a united call for improved customer service, safety and integration with bus services. “Many people were quite passionate about making vessels more environmentally friendly than the current fleet. There is also a strong expectation that the inquiry delivers improvements to customer service. “If the Government invests in the service in the way we have asked, we will follow and use the service,” he said. Add to:          Write Comment
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