Article: Sunshine Coast - "Catch a ferry to work"

[Sunbus610]

It's certainly a nice idea but would it really be viable I wonder?

Catch a ferry to work
Alan Lander | 3rd November 2009
IMAGINE ... the wind runs softly through your hair as you sit reading the Daily in comfort while quietly cruising the Sunshine Coast?s waterways ... on your way to work.

Ask anyone who has lived and worked in Sydney or Brisbane ? travel by ferry it has to be one of the least stressful ways of commuting.

While ferries might not be the highest priority in the Coast council?s public transport strategy, they are definitely a part of it in the medium to long term.

The council?s integrated transport project director, Graeme Krisanski, said part of the Sustainable Transport draft document, currently out for public comment, has a specific strategy for ?water uses? including ferries and water taxis.

?It considers the Mooloolah River and Maroochy River as the most likely candidates for river-based public transport while recognising that both Pumicestone Passage at Caloundra and the Noosa River will continue to provide a broader range of water-based recreational travel,? Mr Krisanski said.

He said there were a considerable number of hurdles to be overcome first.

?Some of these relate to navigability while others relate to the vessels proposed to be used, the licences that are required for an operator and a range of government approvals before any service could be introduced,? Mr Krisanski said.

But a big plus for aquatic transport is its ability to make money through tourism in non-peak periods.

The council document says Mooloolaba Harbour is a deepwater port, but ?the mouths of Pumicestone Passage and Maroochy and Noosa rivers are all difficult to navigate and limit opportunities for coastal ferries, while the Mooloolah River requires constant maintenance to remain navigable?.

Private enterprise input would be a virtual must to meet Translink?s criteria, Mr Krisanski said. ?However, the council?s new public transport levy could provide an opportunity for some trials to be undertaken.?

But do not starting queuing at your local wharf quite yet.

The services are some way off ? unless a private operator can stump up the cash and get things going earlier.

View the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper article HERE

[ButFli]

From my observations ferries are a pretty ordinary way of providing public transport. It's a fun way to travel and they build a bit of identity for a city but they are expensive and not as effective as other means of travel.

[somebody]

From my observations ferries are a pretty ordinary way of providing public transport. It's a fun way to travel and they build a bit of identity for a city but they are expensive and not as effective as other means of travel.

Not to mention that they can only go where the water does.  Although they can have their place: Getting from West End to UQ is probably better done by ferry than the 192 for example.