Does Perth need more ferries?

KENT ACOTT, The West Australian January 25, 2012, 6:47 am

Bid to test water on more ferries

Transport Minister Troy Buswell has initiated a new investigation into the possible expansion of Perth's ferry services.

The move is in accordance with the State Government's public transport network plan, which anticipated future ferry links to Burswood, East Perth and Applecross.

"Work has been done before on expanding ferry links but there has never been a lot of enthusiasm for the concept," Mr Buswell said.

"I have asked the Public Transport Authority to take another look at it and explore a range of options, including the involvement of the private sector.

"I have also raised it with several private operators and, while their response has been generally lukewarm, they are supportive of a new look at the whole issue," he said.

Mr Buswell said the proposed football stadium at Burswood and the proposed Riverside redevelopment at East Perth provided new opportunities for a ferry service.

"There would certainly be something very appealing about catching a ferry to go to the football at Burswood or to a restaurant in East Perth," he said.

Ferry travel has gone through a small resurgence in recent times.

Patronage on the two Transperth ferries that operate between the city and South Perth increased 1.6 per cent in 2010-11 to 471,000 patrons.

More than half of these were tourists.

But the network plan said the expansion of ferry services was hampered by speed constraints on the Swan River and parallel road and rail routes with faster journey times.

Shadow transport minister Ken Travers said the State Government was keen on flashing headline-grabbing ideas but had failed to invest in basic public transport infrastructure.

"Look no further than their failure to order enough rail cars to keep up with demand," he said.

Follow thewest.com.au on Twitter

Explore More

Show:

41 Comments

Post your comment

4 1
Dianne11:02am Wednesday 25th January 2012 WSTReport Abuse
A ferry service from Applecross to UWA and the City should have been implemented years ago. For anyone living South of the River and wanting to get to UWA or SCG Hospital in peak hour, the (once upon a time) 20min journey has become an epic. Stirling Hwy chockers with Mums driving kids to school
1 Reply
2 0
Dianne11:05am Wednesday 25th January 2012 WSTReport Abuse
and the Freeway bumper to bumper. If speed restrictions on the river are an issue, Perhaps ferry zones with higher speeds during peak hour could be introduced as well as express ferries which only make a few stops while another ferry stops as a local. If Brisbane can do it, surely we can.
Reply
3 0
Dianne11:07am Wednesday 25th January 2012 WSTReport Abuse
There are now housing and apartments all along the river to Guildford. Surely two or three ferry routes would be utilised if people can rely on it. Especially if they are going to avoid road traffic congestion points trying to get in or out of the city and surrounds. Bus services would need to be integrated too.
Reply
2 0
Patricia11:23am Wednesday 25th January 2012 WSTReport Abuse
Excellent idea. You should have a fast ferry from Fremantle, stopping East Fremantle/Bicton, across the river to Mosman Park (jetty already at Minim Cove and also parking facilities) Claremont, Nedlands and Perth. Jetties are already insitue. Go for it Mr Buswell, certainly ease the peak hour traffic.
Reply
0 0
Patricia11:29am Wednesday 25th January 2012 WSTReport Abuse
If Sydney and Brisbane can do it, so can we. My family live in the Eastern suburbs in Sydney, they always go to the city by ferry, it stops at the bus terminal and train station, so easy to commute further afield. We do not make enough use of our beautiful Swan River. Ferries up and down the river would also encourage tourist to see our city on the cheap.
Reply