Parramatta River F3 ferry Transdev plan scrapped
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has axed controversial plans which impact ferry commuters who use the Parramatta River.
Parramatta
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People power has propelled the State Government to axe proposed changes for the F3 ferry services along the Parramatta River.
Under controversial plans put forward by the government’s private operator, Transdev, Parramatta and Rydalmere ferry commuters would be forced to change twice to reach Circular Quay (at Sydney Olympic Park and Barangaroo).
The direct service to Circular Quay would be axed and ferries would terminate at Barangaroo.
There was also criticism about inadequate services for commuters heading to Parramatta, despite its growth and being the home to 10,000 new jobs over the next five years.
Parramatta and Cumberland councils were among several to make submissions that inundated the Transdev office.
The councils also slammed Transdev for starting consultation during the holiday period in January and for taking western Sydney for granted.
Parramatta Lord Mayor welcomed the decision to retain direct ferry services between Parramatta and Circular Quay.
“The ferry to and from the Parramatta CBD is hugely important to the people who live, work, study and visit our great and growing city,’’ he said.
“With the development of the new Powerhouse precinct, and Parramatta Square fast becoming a jobs hub, the ferry line will play an even bigger role in connecting commuters to Sydney’s Central River City in coming years.”
Inner west politicians including Balmain MP Jamie Parker and Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas also lobbied against the ferry changes.
More than 1500 inner west passengers also signed a petition presented to Mr Constance.
Transport for NSW said it had received about 3000 submissions on its website but figures for the feedback report were still being finalised.
On Monday, Mr Constance scrapped plans for the ferry changes, which would have come into effect in 2021.
A transport spokeswoman said: “Following feedback from the community and local MPs, proposed changes to the F3 and F8 ferry routes will not be proceeding,’’ she said.
“The current stopping patterns and service frequency on the Parramatta River will remain.”
Parramatta Labor councillor Patricia Prociv commended Mr Constance for stepping in to halt the changes despite the ferries being operated privately.
“I think it’s a victory for the people because there’s a lot of people who put in a lot of effort to respond to that,’’ she said.
“A lot of people don’t necessarily live in the river communities but they use the ferry to get to places.’’
Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger reiterated the need for smaller, faster vessels.
“The important thing is that we actually improve the services,” he said.
“I would love to see more frequent services on the river that are quicker, in particular in between Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park.
“People live busy lives and spending more than an hour between Parramatta and Circular Quay is OK on weekends and for tourists, but not for getting to work.’’