Ferry cuts spike ire at Council

Independent Leichhardt councillor John Stamolis has spoken out against proposed changes to ferry services to the Balmain peninsula, arguing a number of the changes represent significant reductions to services and missed opportunities to address existing deficiencies.

“The proposed changes to the morning and evening peak hour services, from Circular Quay to the Darling Street Wharf, are particularly concerning,” Cr Stamolis said. “The longest break in the whole ferry schedule is a 40-minute break – 5.15pm to 5.55pm – during the evening peak time. That must be reviewed and reconsidered – ferries should be running every 15 to 20 minutes at that time.”

Cr Stamolis also criticised the decision to reduce the number of peak-time services from Balmain East Wharf to Circular Quay from six to four, and voiced concerns over potential reduced integration with bus services.

“Darling Street Wharf is an important point for integration of bus and ferry services – the 442, 444, 445 buses link with the Woolwich and Darling Harbour ferry services,” he said. “As the Woolwich ferry will no longer stop there, the benefits of an integrated transport system are reduced.”

Neither Crs Stamolis, Weiss or Parker said they had seen any justification offered for the proposed changes. “There are opportunities to consult with people,” Cr Stamolis said. “For example, you can tell people as they’re getting on the ferry, you can do a handout of leaflets, or you could leave them at the wharf – but that hasn’t happened. I stood there at the ferry wharf, distributing my own leaflets, and it is the only time people have actually walked towards a politician, to get something from them, that I think I’ve ever known! Clearly, there’s a very strong interest in this issue.”

A statement from Sydney Ferries on their website noted that proposed changes to the timetables were designed to, “provide a more logical and consistent service for passengers… [including] improved connections with bus services.” According to the organisation, the adjustments are designed to improve safety, improve on-time running, direct services to the greatest areas of demand across the network, and better align “peak services with peak demand”.

At their August meeting, Council approved a resolution to meet with Sydney Ferries and discuss concerns over the new timetable. Submissions for the public to have their say on the proposed new schedule have been extended to September 1.