Wednesday, 30 October 2013
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) today released its draft report recommending maximum fares for private ferries across NSW and the Stockton Ferry in Newcastle increase by between 10 and 30 cents per trip.
The draft report of the Review of fares for Private Ferries and Stockton Ferry from 2014 proposes increases (after rounding of fares to the nearest 10 cents) ranging from 1.4% to 2.7% of the current maximum fare (broadly in line with inflation) for private ferries. The recommended increase for the Stockton Ferry is 10 cents, or a percentage increase of 4%.
IPART Chairman Dr Peter Boxall said feedback is being sought on the proposed new maximum fares for the following services:
- Central Coast Ferries – Woy Woy to Empire Bay ($7.50, up from $7.30*)
- Church Point Ferry Service – Scotland Island and western foreshore of Pittwater ($7.60, up from $7.40)
- Clarence River Ferries – Iluka to Yamba ($7.30, up from $7.20)
- Cronulla & National Park Ferry Service – Cronulla to Bundeena ($6.40, up from $6.30)
- Brooklyn Ferry Services – Brooklyn to Dangar Island ($6.40, up from $6.30)
- Matilda Cruises – Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, and Circular Quay to Lane Cove ($7.40, up from $7.30*)
- Palm Beach Ferries – Palm Beach to Mackerel Beach and the Basin ($7.70, up from $7.50), and Palm Beach to Ettalong and Wagstaffe ($11.20, up from $10.90)
- Stockton Ferry (Newcastle Buses and Ferries) – Newcastle to Stockton ($2.60, up from $2.50).
*These services do not currently charge the maximum fare.
Dr Boxall said the draft increases reflect both the rising costs ferry operators face, and the need to maintain the affordability, reliability, quality and safety of these services for passengers.
Dr Boxall said feedback on the draft report and the proposed new fares are being sought by 22 November, before IPART provides its final advice to Transport for NSW in mid-December.
Any changes in private ferry fares will be effective from a date to be decided by Transport for NSW, usually in December; changes to Stockton Ferry fares will apply from 5 January 2014.
The draft report is available on IPART’s website <http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au>.
Media Contact: Julie Sheather 02 9290 8403 or 0409 514 643