Derwent River ferry service just weeks away from setting sail

Trial runs have begun for the new Derwent River ferry service that is weeks away from offering the public 15 minute commutes between the Eastern Shore and Hobart. SERVICE DETAILS >>

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Eastern shore residents will soon have a new alternative to being stuck in peak hour traffic with the announcement that the new Derwent River ferry service is only weeks away.

On Monday trial runs began for the new service that will provide an alternative mode of transport for those living on the Eastern Shore for their commute to Hobart.

The 15 minute commute is an initiative from the Government to help ease growing traffic congestion in the city while also encouraging active transport such as cycling and walking.

Once the trial runs are complete and the ferry is ready for public use in the coming weeks it is expected the service will includes multiple trips each morning over peak times of before 7am until 9am and 3.30pm to 6pm each weekday.

Trials start for the Derwent River ferry service. Pic: Jarrod Lawler.

To encourage commuters to use the new service there will be no charge for those who present a Metro Greencard or those who are travelling with a bicycle.

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman was excited about the new service and encouraged Eastern Shore residents to use the service once operation begins in the coming weeks

“It is going to be quite a privilege to get on the boat and come across the river, whether it’s for shopping, for work or for school,” Mayor Chipman said.

“The service is quick, it’s beautifully presented and it’ll be a wonderful service that I’m sure people will appreciate,” he said.

‘We’d love to see a lot of people take up the use of the ferry so it becomes sustainable in the long term.”

The ferry has the capacity to carry 107 passengers and store 15 bicycles per commute.