Victoria: Ferries

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https://twitter.com/portphilferries/status/1007566324271230977

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Herald Sun --> Free ferry tips to be offered for commuters between Melbourne and Geelong

FREE ferry trips will be offered between Melbourne and Geelong to gauge whether a commuter service might be viable.

After providing special footy services to Cats' matches in Melbourne, Port Phillip Ferries will offer free commuter trips on two days next month.

Owned by businessman Paul Little, the company offers permanent services between Docklands and Portarlington.

Mr Little's vision is to eventually run services around the bay, as well as on the Yarra River in the CBD.

The Docklands-Geelong trials will be held on July 24 and 31, both Tuesdays. Also planned for July 31 is a one-hour "celebration cruise" around Corio Bay for Geelong region residents.

Port Phillip Ferries CEO Murray Rance said a Geelong-Melbourne service would have a lot to offer.

"As witnessed on the Bellarine Peninsula, a ferry service in and out of central Geelong will not only benefit daily commuters and offer an alternative to train and road travel, it will provide a huge benefit for tourism, visiting friends and relatives, business (and) education," he said.

Bookings for the free services open next Monday at geelongferrytrials.com.au

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Herald Sun --> Permanent Geelong-Melbourne commuter ferry service could be running by early 2019

A PERMANENT Melbourne to Geelong commuter ferry service could be running by early next year.

Port Phillip Ferries has been encouraged by a trial of free services between the cities during the past two Tuesdays.

Company owner and former Essendon Football Club boss Paul Little said hundreds of people had taken part in the trial.

"We thank both the Geelong business community and residents for wholeheartedly supporting the trial services and for embracing ferry travel as a viable alternative to travelling by car or rail," he said.

"My vision for Port Phillip Ferries has always been about making ferry travel accessible to as many Victorians as possible. This takes us one step closer to that vision."

The firm currently offers a twice daily leisure service between Docklands and Portarlington, and recently ran special trips between Geelong and Docklands for Cats games in Melbourne.

Mr Little said that a permanent Geelong-Melbourne commuter service would require another purpose-built vessel, and could be running by early next year.

"A ferry service in and out of central Geelong will not only benefit daily commuters, it will also provide a huge benefit for tourism, visiting friends and relatives, business, education and other unrealised opportunities," he said.

Factors such as carparking and accessibility to and from Geelong's waterfront are being looked at for the service.

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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Geelong Flyer ferry: why the new mode of transport beats the train

The Geelong Flyer yesterday undertook its maiden voyage in Corio Bay and according to an Addy reporter, its comfort levels far exceeded the train.

NAMED in memory of one of the fastest players in the history of the Cats, the Geelong Flyeryesterday undertook its maiden voyage in Corio Bay.

Bob Davis got his nickname after the express train that ran from Melbourne to Geelong in 55 minutes in 1954.

While the new Geelong Flyer will take 100 minutes to do the same journey, its comfort levels far exceed the old express train.

Stepping aboard, its 403 passenger seats are spread over two floors, including 82 external seats on the rear top deck.

Some inside seats feature fold-down tables enabling those wishing to work on the journey to do so assisted by on-board Wi-Fi.

The ferry even includes free charging stations for those needing a quick battery top-up for their phone or laptop.

Comfort levels are further increased with a licensed on-board cafe serving hot drinks and food.

Yesterday's test voyage was remarkably smooth, with none of the passengers needing to reach for the sick bags.

In fact, Chairman Paul Little said the vessel created less turbulence when operating at full speed than at slower speeds.

It's easy to see the new service becoming a hit with tourists looking for a novel way to travel between Victoria's two biggest cities.

The big question is whether at 100 minutes, the service resonates with commuters.

While the vessel can travel at full speed in Corio Bay and Port Phillip Bay, Mr Little said Port Phillip Ferries was in discussions about the relaxation of some historical speed limits along the Yarra River, further improving journey times.

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Port Phillip Ferries

Cruising Between Geelong, Melbourne & Portarlington

Now with additional services Thursday to Sunday commencing this Thursday 3rd Dec 2020. In time for the holiday season, Ferry services will then return to 7 days a week from Thursday 24th Dec 2020.

https://www.portphillipferries.com.au

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