Perth’s new ferry stops revealed
Matilda Bay and Applecross will be the first new stops in Perth’s expanded ferry network, tender documents have revealed.
The current route operates solely between South Perth and Elizabeth Quay, with 13 new stops being considered to grow the city’s public transport options on the Swan River.
The proposed stage 1 route for the Perth ferry network expansion.
A tender document issued by the Public Transport Authority revealed the proposed stage 1 of the project would include new stops at Matilda Bay/the University of Western Australia, and Applecross at the Raffles jetty.
The others being investigated are at Point Fraser, Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove, with future consideration to be given to stops at Belmont, Belmont Park, Rivervale, Maylands and Canning Bridge.
The electric ferries would be around 25 metres long, and cruise at 20 knots, meaning a trip from the CBD to UWA would take about nine minutes, and a trip from UWA to Applecross about the same.
The PTA is seeking expressions of interest to help build its business case for the new network, with proponents asked about manufacturing capabilities, fuelling options and vessel design.
The new route would require between five and 15 new vessels, which would seat 130 to 150 people.
The requirement for them to be electric would mean they would also need to be charged for 15 minutes every hour at either South Perth or Matilda Bay.
Services would operate between 6am and midnight, with the tender suggesting services around every 30 minutes.
Proposed ferry network expansion in Perth.Credit: PTA
Premier Roger Cook announced the expanded service in February, calling it the “Metronet of the Swan”.
“We’ve seen the success of ferry systems in other states, and we’ve watched the growing popularity of our existing route between Perth and South Perth,” he said at the time.
“January was our busiest month ever in relation to the use of ferries – nearly 110,000 boardings – 49,000 more than in January 2023.
“But we’ve never fully cracked the code for expanding beyond the one ferry route here in Perth, and as our city continues to grow and improve … that requires a rethink.
“Imagine having a pint at the Raffles and catching the ferry to the footy … It’s an opportunity not just to move people around the city but always provide another option in relation to tourism.”
The latest business case is the eighth report looking into expanding Perth’s ferry network in the past three decades.
It comes after the most recent 2019 report revealed Perth was closer than ever to being able to support a fully-fledged public transport ferry network.
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