North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Weather cancels ferry services
Weather can create havoc with Auckland’s public transport network, with ferry services bearing the brunt of the disruptions.
The ferry service from Northcote Point wharf has had 638 cancellations in the past year out of around 14,000 services, according to Auckland Transport (AT).
This is more than twice as many cancellations as any other ferry service in Auckland.
Northcote Point wharf, which is close to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, is the most susceptible to weather, as it is exposed to wind and tidal flows, AT media advisor James Ireland said.
When inclement conditions strike, passengers who are unable to catch the boat at Northcote Point are redirected by bus to Birkenhead ferry wharf.
In the last month, AT’s social media has also alerted passengers to cancellations to services from Stanley Bay and Devonport instigated by Fullers.
The Gulf Harbour ferry service is the second most cancelled route in the region.
In the past year, 305 Gulf Harbour services have been cancelled and bus replacements have been put on to move the passengers on the route.
Easterly winds and swell are often the cause for the Gulf Harbour service cancellations, Ireland said.
In March and April, east Auckland’s Pine Harbour service saw 27 trips cancelled.
‘‘There were a number of cancellations following some large cyclones that came through and there was a lot of wash and debris out of the Clevedon River,’’ Ireland said.
‘‘This means that sticks get in the jet units that cause cancellations.’’
On the road, weather has less of an impact on public transport.
Since double-decker buses arrived on the North Shore in 2015, there has been one instance where a double-decker service across the Auckland Harbour Bridge has been cancelled due to weather.
‘‘Under the operating guidelines, in winds of more than 140kmh drivers are required to slow down on exposed routes,’’ Ireland said.
‘‘Double-decker buses are very stable even in high winds. They have a low centre of gravity and a wide wheel base.
‘‘All of our bus models are tested for stability with various passenger seating configurations, including all passengers upstairs with none downstairs.’’