Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you change the timetable?
Sydney Ferries proposed to address known timetable issues as part of a broader Transport NSW timetable change scheduled for 10 October, 2010. Sydney Ferries aimed to better meet the needs of the community by providing a more logical and consistent service for customers.
Amendments in land use, demographics, travel patterns of customers and the impact of new speed restrictions on the Harbour provided an opportunity to make the amendments to current timetables, ahead of the comprehensive network review planned in 2011.
Is my route affected by the timetable amendments?
The timetable amendments affect all Sydney Ferries routes except the Manly Ferry. Read the Community Update for detailed route by route information on the amendments, including main changes and changes following feedback from the community consultation process.
Where can I get a copy of the new timetables?
Download your 10 October timetable here or request a print out from the ticket boxes at Circular Quay.
Printed handheld copies will be available from 27 September, and will also contain 2010-11 summer service and event information.
What are the benefits of the timetable amendments?
The amendments will provide the following benefits:
SAFER SERVICE
• Incorporate new NSW Maritime speed restriction into the Darling Harbour timetable
• A safer Sydney Cove through improved management of berthing
• Incorporate Office of Transport Safety recommendation to adjust timetable
BETTER SERVICE
• Direct services to greatest areas of demand across the network
• Better alignment of peak services with peak demand
• Improve on-time running
• Simplified timetables
When will the timetable amendments actually be introduced?
The new timetables will be introduced Sunday, 10 October 2010 to coincide with rail and bus timetable changes.
What will the amendments mean for school travel?
Affected schools were notified as part of the community consultation process. Where possible, the amendments have taken into account services used for school travel and feedback from the community regarding student and school travel requirements.
School communities will be informed about the amendments and be provided with copies of the new timetables.
Will the amendments affect off-peak, night-time and weekend services?
There are amendments to night-time and weekend services for the Parramatta River, Darling Harbour / Balmain East, Woolwich / Balmain, Mosman, Taronga Zoo, Neutral Bay and Watsons Bay / Rose Bay routes.
There are amendments to off-peak services for the Parramatta, Darling Harbour / Balmain East, Woolwich / Balmain, Watsons Bay / Rose Bay, Mosman and Neutral Bay routes.
What about bus and ferry connections?
Sydney Ferries worked closely with STA to ensure that existing bus connections were maintained.
Sydney Ferries also worked with STA to address and improve known bus connection issues (for example at Woolwich Wharf and McMahons Point Wharf).
Bus connection questions raised by customers in the community consultation have been addressed in the Community Update.
Bus timetables are being amended to reflect new connections with rail and ferry services.
What is happening to Darling Harbour wharves?
All Sydney Ferries services will now operate to and from Darling Harbour (King Street Wharf 3) the “Darling Harbour Terminal”.
Darling Harbour King St will be upgraded in time for the timetable changes and will provide improved customer facilities such as ticket vending machines, staffed ticket gates and better timetable signage.
Aquarium Wharf will remain fully operational for use in Special Event services only. Read more here.
What did you do to inform customers about the Have Your Say campaign and the new timetables?
Have Your Say
- Placement of prominent Have Your Say signs at affected wharves
- Distribution of Have Your Say flyers at Circular Quay and onboard vessels
- A letterbox drop of Have Your Say flyers to homes in close vicinity of affected wharves
- Regular public address announcements and radio transport updates
- A notice on the Sydney Ferries website including print ready versions of the proposed timetables
- A notice on the Transport Info 131 500 website including print ready versions of the proposed timetables
- A letter to your local council
- MP kits to your local MP
- A letter to key stakeholders including business partners, local schools and community groups
- Notices in local papers including the Manly Daily, Parramatta Advertiser, Parramatta Sun, Inner West Courier, Mosman Daily, North Shore Times and the Wentworth Courier.
New timetables
- Placement of prominent signs on all wharves
- Distribution of Community Update at Circular Quay and onboard vessels
- A letterbox drop of new timetables and summary of changes to homes in close vicinity of affected wharves
- Regular public address announcements
- Regular radio transport updates
- A notice on the Sydney Ferries website including print ready versions of the new timetables
- A notice on the Transport Info 131 500 website and update to the 131 500 timetable and trip planner functions
- A letter to your local council
- MP kits to your local MP
- A letter to key stakeholders including business partners, local schools and community groups
- Distribution of new timetables from 27 September
These amendments don’t seem comprehensive enough. When will you be conducting a full network review?
A comprehensive network review is planned for 2011. The network review will consider amendments to the ferry service network, including the possibility of providing services to new locations.
Customer feedback received during the community consultation process proposing new routes/wharves will be included for review in 2011.
I am unhappy with the new timetables.
The 2010 Sydney Ferries timetables are now finalised, however comments on the new timetables are welcome. Customer suggestions for additional services / different service times will be collected and used to inform the network review in 2011.
You can make suggestions for the 2011 network review through 131 500 (phone and online) or by continuing to email haveyoursay@sydneyferries.nsw.gov.au.