JetCat route to be replaced by private service - some day

12:21 AM Wed 31 Dec 2008 GMT

'A familiar sight across Sydney Harbour to Manly.' . Click Here to view large photo

The last JetCat ferry left Manly at 10am on NYE 2008, destined to be replaced - eventually - by a privately run service. In the meantime, northern beaches commuters are left with half the number of peak services to the city.

The State Government's $1.6 million Special Commission of Inquiry into Sydney Ferries last year recommended the expensive JetCats be shelved, along with the Freshwater Class vessels. The same report recommended that both be replaced with new 800-seat boats.

While there is no replacement on the horizon, and no contingency plans in place to transport the 13,750 commuters who rely on the service each week, most people say they will be catching buses for the "couple of hours" round trip each day.

The JetCats, Blue Fin, Sir David Martin and Sea Eagle, were introduced in 1990 and 1991 to replace ageing hydrofoils. The JetCats are certainly faster than the Freshwater class, but they cost three times as much to operate and according to the inquiry, 'are characterised by poor reliability and highly fluctuating availability".

The ubiquitous Manly ferry is integral to the image and lifestyle - as well as commuters and tourists to the area. - ..

The Treasury expects to save $21 million over the next four years by axing the service, and the vessels are now up for sale.

In early December, the Transport Minister, David Campbell called for expressions of interest in a 12-month contract to provide high-speed services to Manly. Instead of one bidder the NSW Government received several and has stated that it is "currently assessing responses but nothing has been finalised at this stage".
The Government will fail to meet its own deadline of January 12, but it hopes to have a replacement service up and running early in the New Year.

by Jeni Bone

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