SeaLink Sydney Harbour announces 15-year extension of Lane Cove ferry service
SeaLink Sydney Harbour has announced a lengthy extension of a popular ferry service at Lane Cove River after it was nearly cancelled. See what’s planned in the new contract.
North Shore
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Commuters can expect a more frequent commute after SeaLink Sydney Harbour announced it had successfully attained a 15-year extension of the Lane Cove ferry service contract.
SeaLink recently welcomed the news after running the marine service under the Captain Cook Cruises brand for 17 years.
Under the new contract, an additional run has been added to the morning departure with plans to integrate SeaLink’s passenger messaging system with Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) system.
Plans also include introducing the Opal payment system to improve passenger experience.
SeaLink Sydney Harbour general manager Nick Lester said SeaLink was pleased to continue working with TfNSW to provide this important transport service for North Sydney commuters.
“We pride ourselves on providing a brilliant customer experience to our guests onboard all our vessels and with the additional morning departure added to the timetable and the further integration with the State Government’s Opal pay system will ensure travelling with us will be an even smoother and more convenient experience,” Mr Lester said.
The announcement has been supported by locals who saw the ferry service close to being cancelled in December 2020 after a decline in tourism during Covid saw the service operating at a loss.
However, lobbying by Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts helped save the service which connects passengers along Lane Cove River to Balmain, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Milsons Point and Kirribilli Wharf, as well as private schools including Saint Ignatius College, St Aloysius College and Loreto.
The new contract also provides an opportunity to move to low emissions during the next 15-year term, which would include the construction of an electric powered ferry capable of operating the service in battery mode.
SeaLink Marine & Tourism chief operating officer Donna Gauci said SeaLink was committed to investing in more sustainable marine transport solutions to benefit the environment and communities.
“We are working with governments and clients around Australia to pursue the design and construction of low and green emission vessels including hydrogen and electric and look forward to working with Transport for New South Wales on more sustainable marine transport solutions for Sydney commuters,” Ms Gauci said.
The news comes just days after NRMA announced an extended 15-year contract with the Manly Fast Ferry service to Circular Quay, planning to provide more frequent and cheaper services with hopes to improve the environmental impact of the vessels.
Currently, the Lane Cove Ferry runs up to 12 services a day Monday to Friday with a one-way fare costing $7.30 for adults and $3.70 for children.
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