Port Phillip Bay ferries: Extra services between Melbourne and Geelong to be trialled

FREE trial ferry trips between Melbourne and Geelong are being expanded in a push for a permanent service following an “overwhelming response” to commuter trials.

EXTRA ferry services from Melbourne to Geelong will be trialled later this month.

Free travel is being offered by Port Phillip Ferries for the trips on July 24 and 31, allowing passengers to travel across the Bay and back on the one day.

The deal follows the announcement last month of trial services from Geelong to Melbourne.

The company is providing the trial with the support of the Committee for Geelong.

NEW BUS TECHNOLOGY MOOTED FOR TRANSPORT WOES

TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION RAISES CBD TRUCK BAN

FREE BAY SERVICE BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND GEELONG

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive Murray Rance. Picture: Alison Wynd

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive Murray Rance said the Geelong commuter trials had attracted an “overwhelming response” with only limited spots on the 300-seat ferry available.

“We now extend the invitation to Melbourne residents,’’ Mr Rance said.

“An ongoing ferry service would not only be great for commuters, it would provide a huge boost for tourism, events and doing business in Geelong.”

Committee for Geelong chief executive Rebecca Casson said she hoped the service would encourage Melbourne residents to visit the city’s many attractions.

“What better way than via a ferry,” Ms Casson said.

Port Phillip Ferries launched a daily service between Portarlington and Melbourne in November 2016.

Port Phillip Ferries will run free trials between Geelong and Melbourne this month. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Paul Little-owned company and the Geelong business community hope the latest trials will lead to a permanent service.

Mr Little has also floated the idea of running commuter services on the Yarra River from Chapel St his Docklands terminal at Victoria Harbour.

[e-mail]

@IanRoyall