Transport Minister John Watkins heard an impassioned plea from Manly commuters at last night’s ferry forum that the Government should not scrap the high-speed ferry service, said Manly MP Mike Baird who hosted the forum.

“It was clear last night that many in this community rely on the fast service and the answer should be more fast services, not less,” said Mr Baird.

“Commuters are not convinced the vessels need to be replaced at this point. What’s needed urgently is better maintenance and in turn improved reliability. There may well be a compromise with a vessel capable of a 20-minute journey time, but the community is doubtful one vessel can cater to both the tourist and local markets.

“There is a strong demographic group that relies every work day on the high-speed service and last night we heard of queues sprawling out of the wharf during peak hours – people waiting for the JetCat and missing out.

“Mr Watkins heard from Manly commuters first hand that those who use the ferry service need a high-speed option. If the Transport Minister is committed to increasing patronage on public transport then he must deliver it.”

Mr Baird said more than 100 people attended the forum at Freshwater Senior Campus to give their views directly to the Minister.

“People do feel transport needs on the Northern Beaches have been neglected for too long and that the ferry service cannot be reviewed in isolation; attention needs to be given to unclogging the Spit corridor and integrating the ferries with all forms of transport.”

Mr Baird said he stressed to Mr Watkins that while the Government is considering recommendations from the Walker Inquiry there must be no reduction in services at all.

“JetCat commuters made the point there is only dissatisfaction with the service because there are such frequent cancellations and availability is restricted to peak hours.

“It was reassuring the Minister made the commitment not to rush the fleet replacement and to engage with Manly commuters in order to get it right.

“He also acknowledged the vital role the ferry service plays in the Manly community and said the Government would not tolerate a service that is not viable, successful or popular for the people of Manly.”

Mr Watkins said the Government would be responding formally to the Walker Inquiry in the next few months.

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