|
Manly JetCat commuters will soon receive a SMS alert to find out if their service is delayed or cancelled as part of a trial by Sydney Ferries, which was recommended by Manly MP Mike Baird last year.
“JetCat commuters will be pleased that as of Thursday they can subscribe to receive a free text message on their mobile phone so they know if their JetCat is cancelled or running late,” Mr Baird said.
“Instead of rushing to get to the wharf for the fast service, only to find out you need to wait another half an hour, commuters will be able to better plan their journeys.”
Mr Baird said introducing SMS alerts was one of seven recommendations he put to the Walker Inquiry into Sydney Ferries in July 2007.
“It is a simple way to put the customer first. Time is precious and no one wants to spend more time commuting than necessary.
“The community sent a strong message to the Ferry Commissioner at our public forum last year that customer service was sadly lacking.
“Customer complaints were up 45 per cent and Sydney Ferries failed to meet every one of its performance targets*, so there’s no doubt commuters were suffering.
“Local residents rely on the fast service and the only dissatisfaction with the JetCat is that there should be more services – not less! This point was made clearly to the previous Transport Minister John Watkins when he came to Manly in January.
“Commuters are looking to the government to provide a more regular, reliable, and affordable ferry service. The new SMS alerts are a step in the right direction.
“The community is still waiting for the NSW Government to respond to the Walker Inquiry delivered almost a year ago, however it’s good that in the meantime Sydney Ferries has responded to our calls to elevate customer service as a priority,” Mr Baird said.
Pre-register for SMS alerts from Thursday by sending a message with your first name and postcode to 0417 4 FERRY (0417 433 779). The service will commence on 27 October.
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
* Auditor General’s Report to Parliament 2007 Volume Five (released 28 November 2007)
|
