Manly commuters will be pleased the recommendations of the Ferry Inquiry released yesterday meet calls for a more regular and reliable service, however the community should now have input into the detail, said Manly MP Mike Baird.

“It’s encouraging the report addresses the main concerns expressed by commuters, including the need to increase peak services, make vessels more reliable and environmentally friendly and to better integrate ferries with buses,” Mr Baird said.

“However, just as the Inquiry heard directly Manly’s concern with the service, it now needs to hear commuters’ views on the recommendations. I have written to the Minister for Transport asking him or his representative to attend a forum in Manly. If he is serious about providing a customer-focused ferry service, he must listen to those who make up 48% of the revenue.

“One of the recommendations is for the JetCat and Freshwater fleet to be replaced with a single vessel that takes 20 minutes to get to Circular Quay and runs every 20 minutes during peak hours.

"This sounds reasonable but we need to see details of the capacity, the actual timetable, an iron-clad commitment on the journey time and importantly the community needs to have its say. We would also be disappointed if there was a complete removal of the Freshwater fleet.

“The report does not outline who will pay for fleet replacement so I will be seeking clarity on this in Parliament next week. I will also ask the Minister for assurances that the community won’t have to suffer reduced services while the new fleet is being built.”

Mr Baird said Mr Walker’s recommendations started to address the seven key parameters he outlined as a result of consultation with the Manly community.

Mr Walker acknowledged the contributions of Manly residents at the July forum and quoted local commuters in his report.

“It is encouraging his recommendations do identify the significant change that’s needed, however the devil is in the detail. Continued community consultation is vital if the ferry service is going to work,” Mr Baird said.

MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed.
Name:
E-mail
Subject:
Comment:
Code:*

Be first to comment on this article