The future of Manly ferry express buses is uncertain since not enough people are using it
Three-hundred-and-twenty weekly services to Many Wharf may be canned due to low patronage.
In July 2013, a trial began on four express bus routes to connect commuters with ferry services at Manly Wharf during peak times.
NSW premier and member for Manly Mike Baird says people who rely on this service still have three weeks to express their thoughts, as part the community consultation period on the future of the Manly Ferry Express buses.
Baird says the consultation period gives Ferry Express bus customers the opportunity to provide feedback on these services.
“The Ferry Express bus trial ends soon so I encourage commuters to have their say on the future of these services,” he says.
“These bus services were introduced to provide a fast connection to Manly Wharf so more people could have the opportunity to see if catching the ferry or fast ferry works for them”.
These routes operate on weekdays, excluding public holidays, providing 320 weekly services – bit the service is under-utilised.
“Patronage on these services appears to be low so I welcome suggestions on how we can make these services more attractive to commuters travelling to and from work in the CBD,” Baird says.
“All community feedback will be considered, as well as data Transport for NSW has gathered during the trial before a decision is made on the future of these services.”
The four routes that are being reviewed are Manly Wharf to Balgowlah Heights, Manly Wharf to Manly Vale via Balgowlah, Manly Wharf to North Curl Curl via Freshwater and Manly Wharf to North Balgowlah via Seaforth.
Commuters can have their say by emailing ferryexpressbus@transport.nsw.gov.au with their feedback or suggestions by July 15.