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Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 9:53 pm
by Fleet Lists
This could of course include the tendering on Manly Ferry separate from other routes which could mean that Manly Fast Ferry or Captain Cook could take over the Manly route separate from other routes but I cant see that happening.
Integrated fares also need to be considered.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 10:35 pm
by J_Busworth
I can just imagine Labor, the Unions and left wing lobby groups crying foul and kicking up a big fuss if the Manly ferry was sold off to one of those operators.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 12:58 pm
by moa999
Why? You'd just be shifting from one privately owned operator to another.

Also some discussion at a local event the other day that Sealink/Captain Cook is investigating an on-demand style service using mini-ferries from Elizabeth Bay to CQ

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 11:02 pm
by idontknow556
Does anyone know who will be building the new ferries for the Parramatta River? I'm guessing that it would either be Incat or Richardson Devine Marine.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 11:06 pm
by mandonov
That's not been decided yet.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2018 4:26 pm
by Fleet Lists
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-a ... -to-tender

Sydney Ferries contract goes to tender
Published22 Aug 2018

Transport for NSW has issued a competitive tender to operate Sydney’s ferry services, inviting new ideas to enhance one of the most popular modes of transport in the Harbour City.

“Whether you’re a local on your daily commute or a tourist checking out the sights, travelling on a ferry is a great way to get around Sydney, with 15 million passenger journeys on the network last year,” said a Transport for NSW spokesperson.

“Harbour City Ferries has proven that a franchise model can deliver for customers, having improved service performance and raised customer satisfaction to its highest level ever.

"However, we won’t rest on our laurels and we are now looking at ways to improve services and manage our fleet, while ensuring the state continues to receive value for money.”

The tender follows a period of industry engagement and market sounding.

“Our industry engagement provided an opportunity to discuss with operators different ways services could be delivered, including On Demand services, which would be a first for the ferry network,” the spokesperson said.

“Significant investments have already been made in growing the ferry network, with more than 400 weekly services added since 2011. We’ve also invested in six new Inner Harbour Ferries and delivered upgrades at 16 wharves to improve accessibility for customers.”

As the current operator, Harbour City Ferries will be invited to take part in the tender process.

The successful operator is expected to be announced during the first quarter of 2019.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 10:43 pm
by idontknow556
Is it possible to get seasick on a Sydney Ferry?

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 10:48 pm
by gilberations
idontknow556 wrote:Is it possible to get seasick on a Sydney Ferry?

Absolutely

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:02 am
by tonyp
idontknow556 wrote:Is it possible to get seasick on a Sydney Ferry?
If you go out to sea in one - yes! One of the memorable features of the ocean cruises to Broken Bay by SS South Steyne was the brown paper bags they used to hand out to passengers who needed them. I used to pride myself in never getting seasick on many spells at sea during my life, but this good luck came to an end in about 1990 and on a Manly ferry! However, the catch is that it wasn't actually on Sydney harbour. I was crew on the delivery voyage that returned South Steyne to Sydney from Melbourne and, as we departed at night I was sleeping peacefully as we proceeded down Port Phillip. Then suddenly at about 2 am - BANG!!! We hit the rip at Port Phillip heads. Man it was wild and as I'd had dinner not too long ago, up it all came.

I would be very surprised though if many would get sick during the few minutes it takes the Manly ferry to cross the heads, even in the biggest swell.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 8:12 pm
by idontknow556
Are there any plans to replace the Freshwater or First Fleet class ferries?

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:08 pm
by J_Busworth
idontknow556 wrote:Is it possible to get seasick on a Sydney Ferry?
I suffer from bad seasickness, and have been seasick once whilst crossing the heads in a storm. Not bad to the extent of vomiting but bad enough for me to notice the headache.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 12:06 pm
by idontknow556
I just read an article about the Sydney Hydrofoils and there are plans to bring one back to Sydney after going to Italy. I am not sure however whether it will be privately owned or be part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 9:06 am
by jpp42
The Sydney Heritage Fleet is almost in a financial crisis and certainly isn't in a position to take on any more ships.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 4:20 pm
by idontknow556
But still, I hope that the hydrofoil will operate cruises around Sydney Harbour with another operator as I have never seen one myself let alone ride one.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 4:30 pm
by Fleet Lists
idontknow556 wrote:I just read an article about the Sydney Hydrofoils and there are plans to bring one back to Sydney after going to Italy. I am not sure however whether it will be privately owned or be part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet.
Where was the article published?

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 9:15 pm
by idontknow556
It is published on the Sydney Morning Herald.

Here's the URL: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cur ... -p4z74j.ht

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 6:38 pm
by Sir S Set
I don't catch ferries all that often, but today, I caught First Fleeter Sirius on the 2:15pm service from Manly to the City. Do such substitutions occur often? Like I said, I'm not a regular on ferries, so I thought it may be worth posting it on here if it is in fact a rare event.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 6:51 pm
by Fleet Lists
They do occur as you say but it is very rare.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 3:10 pm
by idontknow556
Collaroy is currently being refurbished which is why smaller vessels are operating on the F1 route.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 4:34 pm
by Fleet Lists
But only required if another vessel is out of service except for the summer timetable when all vessels are required.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 11:25 am
by Fleet Lists
https://transportnsw.info/news/2018/ryd ... rf-upgrade

Rydalmere wharf upgrade
Wednesday 26 September 2018

From Wednesday 3 October 2018 Rydalmere wharf will be temporarily closed for upgrade works.

The upgrades will improve the safety and accessibility of the wharf and make it quicker and more efficient to board and disembark ferries. The upgrade will also improve weather protection, seating and waiting areas, lighting and signage.

The closure is expected to last around 5 months at Rydalmere, dependent on weather and maritime conditions.
Alternative transport

Temporary bus service route 535 to Sydney Olympic Park Wharf will connect with F3 Parramatta River ferry services. The route 535 will run between Parramatta Wharf and Sydney Olympic Park Wharf via Rydalmere Wharf.

Ferries will continue to operate to Parramatta Wharf.

From Rydalmere you can also use the existing bus service route M52 from Victoria Road to Circular Quay.

Use the Trip Planner or download a real-time transport app to help plan your travel.
I am surprised that route 535 will be operated by Transdev and not the STA.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 1:52 pm
by Linto63
Transdev owns Sydney Ferries contractor Harbour City Ferries, so there is there is a connection, although State Transit's Ryde depot have continued to operate the low tide Rydalmere - Parramatta replacement services, presumably comes down to available resources. Maybe it will be operated out of the Station Link depot in Camellia.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 2:27 pm
by Fleet Lists
No, I think it will be operated out of South Granville.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 8:46 pm
by Stu
Linto63 wrote:Transdev owns Sydney Ferries contractor Harbour City Ferries, so there is there is a connection, although State Transit's Ryde depot have continued to operate the low tide Rydalmere - Parramatta replacement services, presumably comes down to available resources. Maybe it will be operated out of the Station Link depot in Camellia.
I don't think that because Transdev operate Sydney Ferries is the reason for operating the route 535. STA have operated previous ferry wharf closure services (222, 223, 437, 527 & 528) and STA Ryde Depot is not far away from Rydalmere. The reason would most likely come down price, maybe Transdev built the shifts in an efficient manner considering the distance from the depot to Rydalmere. Shifts could be 12 hours in length (non-broken) possibly with revenue trips built in to reduce dead running.

The low tide ferry replacement buses are a planned charter and operated by STA simply because they are the closest operator. Regardless of if or when Region 7 is privatised (another story), the new operator would continue to operate the chartered low tide ferry replacement services.

Re: NSW Ferry Discussions 2018.

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 4:14 pm
by idontknow556
How long does a ferry last ? As in how long is a ferries lifespan?