Daily Geelong ferry to launch
A daily commuter ferry between the Geelong CBD and Docklands will become a reality in December, Port Phillip Ferries says.
The service that may take 90 minutes has capacity to carry more than 400 people and will operate between Victoria Harbour, Docklands and the Geelong waterfront.
The schedule for the $10 million Geelong Flyer will include a 6.30am departure from Geelong, an evening peak service from Docklands and two services during the day aimed at tourists.
Port Phillip Ferries owner Paul Little said the service would benefit daily commuters and boost tourism and business in the Geelong region.
“It will deliver a unique, comfortable and reliable alternative means of travelling between Melbourne and Geelong,” Mr Little said.
“We continue to witness the population growth both in Geelong and the wider Geelong region, as people and businesses choose to move to regional areas.
“Our new ferry service will be an added feature to those who have chosen to relocate to Geelong and those already based in the region.”
The Geelong Flyer is being built by Tasmanian-based high-speed ferry manufacturer Incat and will have free Wi-Fi, a cafe, bike racks and charging stations for electronic equipment. Port Phillip Ferries CEO Murray Rance said the service would be reduced to 90 minutes if the speed limit on the Yarra River was increased.
“We are doing a body of work (to get the speed limit increased) between the Westgate (Bridge) and Bolte Bridge that will give us between eight and 10 minutes off (the current) 100-minute trip.”
Mr Rance said the company was working to establish parking for commuters near the Geelong waterfront but was tight-lipped on a location.
“Parking will be a very good solution. It won’t be a park and ride. Over time (the cost of) parking will be gradually introduced.”
He said the service was not intended to compete with V/ Line trains or commuting by road.
“It’s a different service. You will be guaranteed a seat and there’s free Wi-Fi and the licensed cafe.
“We believe given the response we had to the trials that there’s not only a commuter market but also a really strong tourism market.”
Mr Rance has previously said about 130 commuters needed to use the ferry daily for the service to be viable.
About 17,000 Geelong commuters travel to Melbourne each day with about 12,000 going via road and 5000 choosing the train. A one-way ticket is expected to cost $18.