The Derwent Ferry has surpassed 250,000 passengers between Hobart and Bellerive

A milestone on the Derwent Ferry service between Bellerive and Hobart has been celebrated, but choppy waters remain for the promised integrating ticketing system, currently four times over budget.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson speaks to Derwent Ferry passengers

The state government has marked the second anniversary of the Bellerive-Hobart ferry service by reiterating its commitment to expanding to service to other locations.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said plans were well advanced for new routes, as he joined ferry passengers from Bellerive on Wednesday morning.

“Having now carried more than 250,000 passengers, we are confident that the service is getting it right,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The ferry has been a resounding success with passengers embracing the service and from the very start the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We were pleased when we first hit the 60,000 passenger mark after eight months of operation and we were blown away when we hit 100,000 in June last year, so 250,000 certainly justifies the additional commitment from both the state and federal levels.

Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It has become an important part of our transport network, removing thousands of cars from the road during peak hours and, importantly, from the Tasman Bridge.”

Mr Ferguson said the government was looking to expand the service to other locations along the river.

Derwent Ferries. Ferry arrives at Bellerive. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We have recently purchased the existing wharf facilities at Bellerive and will make the facilities there even more comfortable for passengers. Importantly, we’re also getting close to finalising a draft Derwent Ferry Masterplan, that examines potential new stops and routes and we look forward to sitting down to progress it with the greater Hobart councils,” he said.

Bicycle Network spokeswoman Alison Hetherington said the service had been a great success for bike riders.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson, with Derwent Ferry skipper Josh Newton and Alison Hetherington of the Bicycle Network on the ferry to mark 2 years in operation

“We’ve seen people embrace the ferry, people are bringing their bikes on board and continuing their journey, or they are locking their bike up at Bellerive or at Hobart,” Ms Hetherington said.

“We’d like to see more ferry terminals in Hobart, the expansion of the service is something we support.”

Skipper Josh Newton said ferry operator Roche Brothers was pleased to sign on for a further two years.

“It’s a beautiful waterway the Derwent River and we have lovely clientele that join us every morning. It’s a great way to get to work,” he said.

The government has been criticised for delays and cost blowouts to a promised integrated ticketing system, which would allow passengers to travel by bus and ferry on a single ticket.

The ticketing system was announced in 2018 and first funded in the 2018–19 budget to the tune of $7.5m.

The amount has now grown to at least $28.1m.

Mr Ferguson announced at the start of June that Tasmania would leverage the “capabilities of Queensland,” by bringing onboard the northern state’s provider Cubic Transportation Systems.

“The next step is for Cubic, Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads department, and the Department of State Growth to finalise contracting arrangements, including the rollout plan and timeframes,” he said.

“I look forward to providing more information in the coming months but make the point that the plan is to have the system fully rolled out in the 2024–25 financial year.”

Franklin MP David O’Byrne has raised concerns that based on the rollout of funding detailed in the state budget, the system would not be finalised until 2027.