Have Your Say Questions and Answers
Why are you proposing to change the timetable?
Sydney Ferries proposes to address known timetable issues as part of a broader Transport NSW timetable change scheduled for 10 October, 2010. Sydney Ferries is aiming 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 have provided an opportunity to make amendments to current timetables, ahead of the comprehensive network review planned in 2011.
Is my route affected by the proposed timetable amendments?
The proposed timetable amendments affect all Sydney Ferries routes except the Manly Ferry.
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.
What are the benefits of the proposed timetable amendments?
The proposed 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
- Simplify timetables and standardised communications
When will the timetable amendments actually be introduced?
Feedback from customers and stakeholders will be given to Transport NSW planners for consideration, and the final timetables are expected tp be available to view online in PDF format from 17 September, and in hardcopy at Circular Quay and Manly wharves and onboard vessels from 10 October 2010.
The new timetables will be introduced Sunday, 10 October to coincide with rail and bus timetable changes.
What about bus and ferry connections?
Sydney Ferries are working closely with STA to ensure that existing bus connections are maintained. Sydney Ferries is also working with STA to address and improve known bus connection issues (for example at Woolwich Wharf and McMahons Point Wharf).
What will the amendments mean for school travel?
Affected schools have been notified as part of the community consultation process. Where possible, the proposed amendments have taken into account services used for school travel. School communities will be informed about any proposed amendments which may affect their students.
Will the proposed amendments affect night time and weekend services?
Yes. There are amendments to night-time and weekend services for the Parramatta, Darling Harbour, Balmain / Woolwich, Mosman, Taronga Zoo, Neutral Bay and Watsons Bay routes.
Will the proposed amendments affect weekday off-peak services?
Yes. There are amendments to off-peak services for the Parramatta, Darling Harbour, Balmain / Woolwich, Mosman and Neutral Bay routes.
What is happening to Darling Harbour wharves?
Sydney Ferries services which stop at Darling Harbour (On Darling Harbour and Parramatta River routes) will now operate to and from Darling Harbour (King Street Wharf 3).
Darling Harbour (King Street Wharf 3) will be gated and ticket vending machines installed to make to make it easier for passenger to purchase tickets.
Aquarium Wharf will remain fully operational for use when passenger numbers exceed capacity on King Street Wharf 3.
Where can I get a copy of the proposed timetables?
You can preview the proposed timetables on the Sydney Ferries website.
What did you do to inform customers about the Have Your Say campaign?
- 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
- Regular 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.
How can I have my say?
Please be advised that the 'Have Your Say' community consultation for the proposed Sydney Ferries timetable adjustments closed on Wednesday, 1 September 2010.