Sydney ferry changes spark concerns commuters would be ‘dumped’ in Barangaroo
Commuters fear Sydney ferry travel times could soar under planned changes to popular routes that would remove stops and no longer terminate at Circular Quay.
North Shore
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A major shake-up of Sydney ferry services has sparked opposition from commuters with concerns journey times could soar and popular stops would be dumped from services.
Ferry operator Transdev has proposed a string of changes to the F8 ferry route including terminating services at Barangaroo, rather than Circular Quay, and removing Balmain Wharf from the route.
In brochures circulated to residents, Transdev said the changes would result in improved services by shaving 10 minutes off the current 30 minute peak hour ferry frequencies at Greenwich and Woolwich.
But residents say the 10 minute savings could be offset by having to catch connecting ferries from Barangaroo to Circular Quay.
Greenwich Progress Association president Merri Southward said commuters who connect to Sydney Train services at Circular Quay could also experience a blow out in travel times.
“It would mean commuters would face at minimum a 10 minute walk (from Barangaroo) to Wynyard Station – much of it without weather protection and with four flights of stairs to climb,” she said.
“There’d be even more walking if you want to catch buses or the light rail on George St.”
In feedback from 123 people published on the Transdev website, ferry users questioned if the proposal was a “cost cutting measure”.
Residents in Greenwich and Woolwich said there were few alternative public transport routes to reach the CBD. The new Barangaroo Metro station would not open until 2024 – three years after the proposed changes are due to come into effect.
“I would much rather wait the maximum extra 10 minutes to get to Circular Quay instead of being dumped in Barangaroo,” one resident said.
“I’m 72 years-old (and) the walk from Barangaroo is impossible,” another resident stated.
Transdev said commuters at Barangaroo could interchange “for other enhanced ferry” services, along with trains and buses via Wynyard Walk.
The company added F8 ferries at Balmain Wharf would be replaced by F3 services. Planned changes to the F3 route, however, would also have services terminating at Barangaroo.
The changes are currently open for public feedback. Submissions close on February 14.
“Part of the consultation is to seek input from the community on whether they prioritise frequency of services over travel times and direct connections,” Transdev said.
“We will take all of the feedback on board before any final decision is made.”