Chaos Reigns Due to Fast Ferry Tender Bungle
Manly fast ferry commuters face ongoing uncertainty with a new operator starting a battle to see whether two fast ferry operators on the route are sustainable, Manly MP Mike Baird said.
“Manly fast ferry commuters have fought hard for their service and the fight is not over yet,” Mr Baird said.
“After the State Government axed the JetCats last year and offered no alternative, we had to push for the service to be put out to tender.
“By all accounts the current operators have done an outstanding job and have put the government-run JetCat service to shame.
“It was incredibly disappointing that the State Government saw the five-year fast ferry tender as an opportunity to raise revenue.
“It is stating the obvious to say the tender should have been judged on reliability, affordability and customer service – not on who offered the highest wharf access fee back to government.
“While we wish the new operator all the best, the truth is a lot of money is being spent competing against each other, which isn’t sustainable.
“What’s unfortunate is that Manly commuters were enjoying a high quality transport service, which has now been jeopardised by the NSW Government’s greed.
“Manly fast ferry commuters should not have to pay for the State Labor Government’s mismanagement of public finances over the past decade.
“The Manly fast ferry tender should never have been used as a grab for cash – this is something we have fought since the tender was issued six months ago.
“We remain convinced a single tender based on the best service at the lowest possible price would have been the best way forward for commuters.”
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Mike Baird MP for Manly Sydney
Mike is Member for Manly and Shadow Treasurer of NSW. Mike has lived in the Manly community for more than 15 years. He is a keen surfer at local beaches and a strong supporter of rugby. Mike had a 18-year career in banking before being elected to Parliament in 2007.
www.mikebaird.com.au
Address: Shop 2, 2 Wentworth Street Manly NSW 2095
Phone: (02) 9976 2773
Email: manly@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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