NSW Government to begin reform of Sydney Ferries

11 May 2011

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the NSW Government will begin the reform of Sydney Ferries which they said would deliver improved and expanded services to commuters.

"Sydney Harbour is an international icon; the most beautiful harbour in the world, and it deserves a ferry service that matches its world class status," Mr O'Farrell said.

"In accordance with our longstanding commitment to greater involvement of the private sector in the delivery of ferry services, the NSW Government will seek registrations of interest from suitable companies to run our ferries," he said.

"Three years ago the NSW Liberals and Nationals endorsed the findings of the Walker Inquiry into Sydney Ferries - now it's time to put that plan into action.

"We are determined to improve public transport and this move will give Sydney the world class ferry service it deserves."

Ms Berejiklian said the Government's Fixing the Ferries program would see the reinstatement of hundreds of ferry services.

Mr O'Farrell said ads seeking registrations of interest to operate Sydney's ferries would run in newspapers next week.

"We want to hear from ferry service operators about what new services they can provide, which existing services they can improve and what they can do to deliver a ferry service commuters and tourists want to use," Mr O'Farrell said.

"This reform will deliver better services for commuters and expand the reach and appeal of ferries as a public transport option," he said.

"The NSW Government is committed to giving people more public transport options to encourage them to leave the car at home."

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government supports the recommendation of the 2007 Walker Inquiry, which advocates ongoing State Government ownership of Sydney Ferries while allowing non-government operators to lease, maintain and operate the fleet.

"We believe ferry reform is essential," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Existing services need to improve but there also needs to be an increase in capacity to provide a real public transport option for commuters and a better tourist experience for visitors and for locals exploring Sydney Harbour.

"We will retain control over the fare structure and routes and the contract will include staff and safety obligations.

"The new operator will have a service contract with the integrated transport authority which will set out all its obligations.

"The private sector has proved it can operate a quality service for commuters by delivering successful high speed ferry services between Manly and the Sydney CBD.

"Patronage on the Sydney Fast Ferries route has risen from 10,555 commuters in April 2010 to 46,635 commuters in March 2011 – a 341 per cent increase.

"The experience of the private sector shows there is an enormous appetite for an efficient service – people want to be able to travel on our harbour.

"I look forward to seeing what new routes the private sector may be able to provide that improve services for commuters and encourage more use of public transport."

A project team has been established in the Department of Transport to manage the project.

It includes expert advisers in finance, commercial, legal, operational, fleet and probity areas.

Registrations of interest for franchising existing services must be lodged with the Department of Transport by May 31.

For more information and to register, visit NSW eTendering .