Gold Coast - Ferry

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast ferry service unveiled by Mayor Tom Tate to run in Broadwater to Metricon Stadium

MAYOR Tom Tate wants to launch a ferry system next year which will use solar-power catamarans to travel across the Gold Coast's waterways.

A 12-stop service has been developed by the Gold Coast City Council which would operate in the Broadwater and Nerang River and would have the potential to take 3200 cars off roads each day.

Mayor Tom Tate will present the plan to the Gold Coast Waterways Authority at its next meeting before taking it to councillors to secure their support.

Cr Tate expects to take the system to market by Christmas in the hopes of the first ferries casting off in mid-2019.

"It is time to better use our waterways and a ferry service is really required for our city," he said.

"There are many benefits and we estimate it would take 3200 cars off the road daily but at the same time it is another tourism offering and I can see people hopping on and going around enjoying the waterways the same way they enjoy the beach.

"We have to do it Gold Coast style — we want the latest cat technology with the minimum amount of wash."

Cr Tate is proposing a two-year trial which would be operated as a joint project between the council, waterways authority, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Marine Safety Queensland and private consortiums.

Under the plan council would provide dock infrastructure, TMR would integrate its timetables into the city's existing public transport network and the waterways Authority would oversee the tender and contract.

The mayor said the issue of speed limits would be dealt with during negotiations with the other stakeholders.

The overall cost of the system is unknown and will depend on the proposals brought forward by private operators during the tender process.

The cost to council, expected to be around $350,000 in ongoing subsidies as well as around $200,000 for two new docks at Doug Jennings Park and the southern side of Wavebreak Island.

The ferries would otherwise dock at existing council infrastructure.

Stage one of the service would run between Evandale and Labrador, with stops at Cavill Ave, Sundale Bridge, Main Beach, Mariner's Cove, Sea World and the Southport Pier.

The second stage, anticipated to be run by a private consortium, would run north from Charis Seafood to Couran Cove and Tipplers while the third stage would run along the Nerang River from Cavill Ave in Surfers Paradise to Metricon Stadium, stopping at Isle of Capri's Via Roma shopping centre.

This service would only operate on AFL game days or on special events such as concerts being held at the stadium.

Waterways authority chief executive Hal Morris confirmed he had held discussions with Cr Tate about the plan and was taking a 'positive and constructive view' of the process.

"Certainly we are keen to partner with the council and look forward to the meeting with the mayor on August 20," he said.

"There are ideas he has shared to be and are and we are a river city so you would think there is a role for transport there.

"There are a lot of questions which need to be worked through but we are taking a positive and constructive view of the process."

The Gold Coast Bulletin last month revealed planning was underway for a jetty at The Spit which would be used as part of a future ferry system.

It is understood several consortiums have express interest in working on the system.

Asked about transport options as part of the Gold Coast Bulletin's Golden Age campaign, readers gave a firm tick for more use of the city's waterways.

Nearly 70 per cent of respondents supported a ferry service from Surfers Paradise to Paradise Point.

Of the potential for a short-hop service to Wavebreak Island, which can only be accessed by boaties, 55 per cent of those surveyed said they would take advantage of a ferry trip.

FLASHBACK: COAST'S 15 YEAR FERRY JOURNEY

Mid-2003: A Maroochydore-based company moots a high-speed ferry linking Brisbane with the Gold and Sunshine coasts. It won the support of Queensland Tourism.

Late-2003: A $10 million ferry system across the Gold Coast was proposed in the wake of a "doomsday" transport report commissioned by the State Government which warned that state-run roads would face total gridlock by 2008. It would have run across 13km stopping at Marina Mirage, the former Sundale Shopping Centre, Jupiters Casino and Appel Park.

2004: Ron Clarke is elected Gold Coast mayor and announces support for a solar powered ferry system.

2005: Cr Clarke named the ferry as one of the top priorities for 2005, with city finance boss Rob Molhoek using his budget speech to predict the ferry would be well-established by 2015.

2006: Three companies responded to an expression of interest issued by the council in early 2006 — Bel-Air Golden Ferries, Gold Coast Ferries and Solar Coast Cats. Council signed a deal with Solar Cats in December that year.

2007: Paradise Point residents led opposition a ferry system, warning there would be a lack of parking as the council moved towards a December start date for the system. Solar Sailors Holdings, a company chaired by former prime minister Bob Hawke, was named as the successful tender to be its operator.

2008: The ferry service project stalled after the Bligh Government refused to vary the speed limit on the Gold Coast waterways to allow the ferries to operate. Cr Clarke and leading mayoral candidates at that year's election, including Tom Tate and Rob Molhoek, back a ferry as necessary for the city's future.

2009: Cr Clarke pushed to revive the ferry project, with a small-stake high-speed link to South Stradbroke Island. He later threw his support behind a 'super waterway highway' which would open up the canals to become a major transport thoroughfare as part of moves to revive the city's economy after the global financial crisis.

2010: Cr Clarke hoped to take the ferry system to tender that year in the hopes of launching it by Christmas, however it again failed to progress.

2011: City leaders again discussed funding the system and agreed to run a 12-month trial at a cost of $600,000. However, councillors baulked at the cost and the project was finally sunk.


2012: Tom Tate is elected Mayor and the Heart of the City Committee backs a $64 million ferry system.

2013: Cr Tate announced plans to go to tender for a ferry service to operate during the Commonwealth Games

2014: The Newman Government announced plans to review speed limits on the Broadwater to allow a ferry to move forward.

2015: The council includes a proposed ferry terminal in its unveiled redevelopment of the Evandale precinct.

2016: Cr Tate announces a $1 million ferry service as part of his successful re-election bid.

2017: Integrated resort developer ASF says it would back a ferry service to The Spit and included a terminal in its planned development, which was later terminated by the State Government.

2018: Council unveils its proposed three-stage ferry service.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Ferry system: community groups back council plan for ferries in Broadwater

GOLD Coast community groups have expressed broad support for a plan to build a 12-stop ferry service across the city.

The Gold Coast Bulletin revealed on Saturday Mayor Tom Tate's plans for the service, which has been 15 years in the making.

It will be considered by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority board on August 20.

But the project already has support from groups such as the Gold Coast Environment Council (GECKO) and the Young Professionals Gold Coast.

GECKO founder Lois Levy said a ferry would be a "great idea".

"A solar one would be even better, because it is more sustainable," she said.

"The big issues with it will be speed and the potential for erosion around revetment walls, but it would certainly be nice for tourists."

Cr Tate said ferries would take up to 3200 cars off Coast roads and would be 'like light rail on water'.

Cr Tate expects to take the system to market by Christmas in the hopes of the first ferries casting off in mid-2019.

A two-year trial would be operated as a joint project between the council, waterways authority, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Marine Safety Queensland and private consortiums.

Young Professionals' Martin Garred said the proposal was "a good step forward".

"It is great for the city in terms of tourism and opening up places with greater access," he said.

The overall cost of the system is unknown and will depend on the proposals brought forward by private operators during the tender process.

The cost to council is expected to be around $350,000 in ongoing subsidies, as well as around $200,000 for two new docks at Doug Jennings Park and the southern side of Wavebreak Island.

The ferries would otherwise dock at existing council infrastructure.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast public transport: Gold Coast tourism leaders back a ferry system


Artist impressions of a proposed ferry terminal at the southern end of the Broadwater Parklands — Images supplied by City of Gold Coast Council

SPEED limits on the Gold Coast's waterways must be altered to allow the city's proposed ferry system to become a reality by 2020.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority on Monday night voted to support a 12-stop system running through the Broadwater and Nerang River.

The next hurdle comes next month when Mayor Tom Tate meets with Transport Minister Mark Bailey to brief him on the project and lobby for speed limits to be lifted for the ferries.

Cr Tate wants the speed limits for ferries increased from six knots to between 12-18 knots.

"It'll take 18 months of investigation and legislation, but it'll be real this time around instead of people floating ideas and dreams but don't follow through," he said.

"We will follow through with this. The timing's right and the will of the local government, will of Gold Coast Waterway Authority, now it's time to get State Government to get on board."

Cr Tate said the increased speeds would not damage revetment walls on the Nerang River.

"The technology is the main thing, with the way they've rebuilt the bottom of these vessels, it'll be like a knife going through water," he said.

Mr Bailey said he was "happy to hear" about the project and looked forward to the briefing.

The Gold Coast Bulletin revealed the planned ferry service last month.

It will have stops running from as far north as Couran Cove to Metricon Stadium at Carrara on AFL game days.

The council is expected to go to tender on a two-year trial in the hopes of having boats on the water by late 2019.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority chief executive Hal Morris said Monday's board meeting had been "positive".

"There are a lot of hurdles (to achieving a ferry system) but there are lot of benefits too," he said.

"There is a lot which needs to happen but it is so far, so good so we will take a look at it."

Destination Gold Coast Chairman Paul Donovan also backed the project and said it was "another great opportunity to view the Gold Coast from a different perspective".

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1050063133287505920

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast ferry: Broadbeach and Tipplers added to public transport system's stops

GOLD Coast City councillors will today vote for the proposed ferry system to be extended to the heart of Broadbeach and to make parts of the trial free for residents.

Council now wants the two-year trial to include 14 stops, not 12, and to cover an extra 3km to take more cars off the roads, open up South Stradbroke Island to non-boaties and help bring more workers and tourists into the inner city.

Under plans to be unveiled to city leaders at council this morning:

• The proposed route will start at Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island and run to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach. It will also travel west to Metricon Stadium at Carrara for major events. The other stops are: Couran Cove, Labrador, Wavebreak Island, Doug Jennings Park, SeaWorld, Southport Pier, Mariner's Cove, Main Beach, Cavill Ave and the Home of the Arts at Evandale.

• The system will go to tender in March following a vote by councillors. Ferries are expected to carry passengers from December 2019.

• A grand launch will be held similar to last December's open day for the Gold Coast light rail's second stage where residents will be offered a free trip. These trips are expected to offered over a number of weekends through the holiday period.

• The council has engaged a specialist maritime consultant to conduct a wash study on sections of the Nerang River and canals where faster speeds will be required.

If the new 14-stop route is approved today, council will then consider hydrological reports and await the State Government's decision on how the ferries will integrate with the city's existing public transport network.

Mayor Tom Tate said he was confident ferries would be on the water this time next year.

"I am confident more than ever that this will finally be delivered after 20 years of conversation," he said.

"Everyone knows I have met with the Minister and the public understand we are working hand in glove on this.

"It will help in decongesting traffic from Southport, Main Beach and The Spit and in doing that it will be the best way of utilising our world-renowned waterways.

"Everyone knows that tourism needs further offerings and though this is public transport, I believe tourists will spend the day travelling on the ferry to different stops and go up to The Spit for a barbecue."

If approved at today's meeting, a report will go before councillors in March as the final step before tenders are called the same month.

The system has been projected to take more than 3500 cars off the road.

The Bulletin understands several companies from NSW and Victoria have informally expressed an interest in tendering for the project.

The council is hoping to secure cutting-edge solar catamarans that will be able to make the 16km journey in about 40 minutes while travelling at speeds of up to 12 knots.

Unlike Brisbane's 22-year-old CityCat designs, newer ferries have the potential to travel faster but create significantly less wash, lessening the potential for causing damage to revetment walls along the Nerang River.

The Gold Coast Bulletin revealed the revived ferry proposal in July. Weeks later it was backed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

Under the plan, the council would provide dock infrastructure, the Department of Transport and Main Roads would integrate its timetables into the city's public transport network and the waterways authority would oversee the tender and contract.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast ferry service: How a ferry service can work and what will either sink or float the boats

INCREASING speed limits will not be the key to the Gold Coast getting a ferry service — the critical factor will be who pays for the multimillion-dollar upgrade of pontoons.

The Gold Coast Bulletin can reveal the other key factor on the boats getting the green light will be the demand for service between particular routes.

The Surfers Paradise to Southport Broadwater connection including Sea World is considered a goer but doubts remain about taking the ferries to Paradise Point.

A detailed options report will be considered by councillors in March.

Industry insiders admit there are at least two more critical issues than speed with the
service able to work with the current six knot speed limit.

A recent council report reveals disability access for pontoons and customer waiting areas were a "significant issue" given recent legal changes setting out minimum entry and exit spaces.

Old infrastructure must be compliant with accessible services and facilities by the end of 2022, the report said.

"Ideally all waiting areas, walkways, gangways and pontoons should be fully covered to provide ferry customers with protection from the elements."

Acting Mayor Donna Gates has asked council transport infrastructure director Alton Twine whether the cost of pontoon upgrades was part of the ferry trial.

In a presentation to councillors, Mr Twine admitted that an infrastructure check was a critical factor.

"So we're hoping they will require minimal upgrades but we don't know until we proceed with this investigation," he said.

Industry sources suggest a pontoon upgrade could cost more than $1 million and the only suitable facility was at Appel Park, upgraded at a cost of $800,000 in 2014.

Previous ferry proposals have failed after the council was asked to provide up to $3 million for infrastructure or TransLink refused to subsidise the service placing the full costs on the local authority.

The other key factor which guarantees the success of a service was rating customer demand.

Mr Twine said the 14 sites released on a map by council were only under investigation.

"We're not necessarily proposing a 14-stop service. It might be smaller than the 14 stops before you," he told councillors.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast ferry service: Gold Coast City Ferries launched as council prepares its own 14-stop service


Doris, the first ferry of Gold Coast City Ferries' fleet of vessels. Picture: Supplied

THE Gold Coast's first ferry service will launch as early as today, in direct competition with the council's own grand plans.

After more than 15 years of failed proposals and stalled ambitions as the Gold Coast has tried to get a ferry system under way, Gold Coast City Ferries will launch initially by servicing three stops with one vessel.

It is a surprise move that could open the gates to a giant fleet and a route running from Moreton Bay to Bond University.

The brainchild of qualified ship's captain, businessman and maritime lawyer Frances Burgess, the ferry service already has four skippers in training and will take its first passengers this weekend.

It will dock at Evandale, Surfers Paradise and Isle of Capri's Via Roma shopping centre.

Two of the stops are also set to be part of the council's planned ferry service, which is expected to begin operating by Christmas.

Mr Burgess said his ferry was "distinctly different'' from the council's plan.

"Ultimately what we are trying to achieve is a local service which suits the environment and the community," he said.

"We have ambitions to go as far south as Bond University and as far north as Macleay Island.

"The Gold Coast's waterways are stunning and people think of our beaches but do not realise about our other waters.

"We want to show off the Gold Coast."

The Gold Coast Ferries flagship vessel is the 28-seat Doris, named after Mr Burgess's grandmother, which was put through sea and speed trials over the Australia Day long weekend.

Mr Burgess said there were plans to have a fleet of up to 38 vessels, subject to finances and the level of support from the Gold Coast community.

These craft are expected to be larger than Doris, with greater capacity for passengers.

Mr Burgess's plans for the private system have been in the works for more than two years. He said they had been discussed with the council and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

Although operating on a set route, it will not initially run to a time schedule, with passengers wanting to ride the ferry having to hail it from the city-owned jetties, because of council regulations.

Tickets will be $6 for adults and $4.50 for children.

A smartphone ticketing app is also in the works.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was not bothered by the new system.

He said Gold Coast Ferries was free to apply to become the operator of the council's ferry service.

"Any current, or intending, operator can apply," he said.

"We hope to be in a position to offer this tender in mid-2019.''

A ferry system has been proposed several times over more than 15 years but has never been launched.

Cr Tate last year revived his ambition for the city to have a water-based public transport system with 14 stops along the Broadwater and Nerang River. A trial is to be conducted.

The proposal has the backing of the waterways authority and a report is being prepared for councillors, who will vote on it in March.

If approved, tenders for the city system will launch mid-year, with the first ferries taking to the water in December.

The system has been projected to take more than 3500 cars off the road.

The Bulletin understands several companies from NSW and Victoria have informally expressed an interest in tendering.

The council is hoping to secure cutting-edge solar catamarans that will be able to make the 16km journey in about 40 minutes at speeds of up to 12 knots.

[SurfRail]

"First" is a bit of a myth.  There is a reason why "Ferry Road" has that name.

I also remember catching a banana boat as a small child from Fisherman's Wharf down to Pac Fair.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/1091238830512820224

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast ferry service: Gold Coast City Council to take ferry to tender tomorrow

THE Gold Coast ferry service is one step closer to launch. Tenders will open for the service tomorrow before boats hit the water before Christmas.

Mayor Tom Tate has announced the council will launch tenders nationally to seek an operator for the service, set to launch by December.

Details of the tender will require

* At least three vessels

* A seven-day-a-week operation across the two-year trial

* A minimum of five stops as defined by council.

Cr Tate last year revived his ambition for the city to have a water-based public transport system with 14 stops along the Broadwater and Nerang River. A trial is to be conducted.

The proposal has the backing of the waterways authority and a report is being prepared for councillors, who will vote on it in March.

The system has been projected to take more than 3500 cars off the road.

The Bulletin understands several companies from NSW and Victoria have informally expressed an interest in tendering.

The council is hoping to secure cutting-edge solar catamarans that will be able to make the 16km journey in about 40 minutes at speeds of up to 12 knots.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Pontoon upgrade funding: green light from State Government for Gold Coast ferries

A major development has been announced to ensure a Gold Coast ferry service which is expected to start within months is accessible to more passengers.

THE Gold Coast ferry trial has received a huge boost with the Palaszczuk Government returning to the negotiating table with funding.

One of the challenges to a service operating in the Broadwater is the standard of ferry stops with both the government and council confronted with the need to make urgent upgrades to jetties.

The Bulletin can reveal the Government will fund upgrades at two proposed ferry stops to make them accessible for people with disabilities.

Upgrades are expected to start at the Appel Park in Surfers Paradise and Southport Pier ferry stops in September.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed $175,000 would be provided by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority to the City of Gold Coast to assist with the upgrades.

"We've had incredible success with Gold Coast Light Rail, with more than 42 million trips since it started five years ago," Mr Bailey said.

"Gold Coast residents and visitors have shown they'll support new ways of getting around.

"With its world class waterways, tourism opportunities and potential to take more cars off local roads, a ferry service trial makes sense for the Coast and I commend council for making it a priority."

Mr Bailey said the $175,000 would be provided to council on a 50/50 basis for the important accessibility upgrades.

"Any expansion of public transport is naturally a good thing, but it also needs to ensure people of all abilities have access to it and can catch these ferries in comfort. These upgrades will help with that."

Mayor Tom Tate said ensuring stops were accessible was an important element of the ferry trial.

"This is great news and pleasing to see the State Government supporting this important project for the Gold Coast — another good example of working hand in glove with them," Cr Tate said.

"We can't wait to see ferries in our waterways by the end of the year and these works will ensure they will be able to be accessed by everyone. We leave no one behind on the Gold Coast."

The latest council report detailed how only two companies put forward offers when the council went to market for a ferry service trial.

SW CruiseCo Pty Ltd, operating as CruiseCo which runs services between Sea World and Surfers Paradise accounting for 85 per cent of the Coast cruise market, was the successful operator.

One of the companies originally interested flagged that it could not deliver a viable ferry service in any trial period without the provision of an operational subsidy.

Councillors have ticked off on ratepayers paying $1 million to deliver the disability access and facilities needed at its managed ferry stops.

Council has also allocated $500,000 in operational funding in 2019-20 for "necessary management activities" along with community consultation. Another $500,000 is provided for the following 12 months.

The city is responsible for upgrading public pontoons and waiting areas, and the ferry operators must undertake marketing and brand awareness.

Experienced tourism stakeholders with marine backgrounds are strongly supportive of the proposal but seriously question the timing of the December trial. They say a major destination point is needed.

Their view is ferries will work but it may take another three years after the city either develops a second casino near the Broadwater or HOTA becomes a major attraction.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast ferry service: First ticket booth planned for popular Coast park

THE first ferries of the city's new water-based public transport system have hit the water.

HOPO – as in 'hop on, hop off' — is the name for the city's ferry service set to launch in the second week of December.

Its imminent arrival comes after nearly 20 years of failed attempts.

Mayor Tom Tate confirmed the first ferries had arrived in the city and some had already done test runs in the Broadwater.

"The mood is good and people are getting excited about it," he said.

"The ferries have actually arrived and we've even had some do runs in the water already."

It comes as council's preparations for the system's launch continue.

A development application was filed last week for a ticketing booth and tourist kiosk in Appel Park at the riverfront end of Surfers Paradise.

The kiosk will be under a marquee which will be erected in the park during the launch weeks of the ferry and during the school holidays period.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has previously predicted the city's ferry operation would complement the work on how waterways can help ease issues with population pressure on the Gold Coast road network.

SW CruiseCo Pty Ltd, operating as CruiseCo which runs services between Sea World and Surfers Paradise, was named as the successful operator of the ferry service in July.

The tender, put out in April, required the successful bidder to deliver a system with:

* At least three vessels.

* A seven-day-a-week operation across the two-year trial.

* A minimum of five stops as defined by council.

Earlier this year councillors ticked off on ratepayers forking out $1 million to deliver disability access and facilities needed at ferry stops.

[SurfRail]

https://hopo.com.au

[Gazza]

They should have one extra southbound ferry from Sea World instead of skipping it, because the final one leaves before the park closes.

[SurfRail]

I'm sceptical this is going to do much.  It's clearly something equivalent to the CityHopper in Brisbane, except less frequent and with fares.  All of these locations are connected by bus and tram for most conceivable journeys.

[achiruel]

The one benefit I can see is the ability to take bicycles on board, which neither bus nor tram offer.

[#Metro]

Is the frequency hourly? Really?

[timh]

I suspect this will be only really be used by tourists. I can't see this being useful for many commuters

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[James]

Hourly, non-clockface timetable, large service gaps (up to 2hr gaps), expensive fares relative to the alternatives (PT/Uber), and two of the few stop pairs which don't compete with the tram (Surfers to Marina Mirage & Seaworld) run via HOTA, killing any time advantage. The routing is poor, and the 6 knot speed restriction south of the broadwater just kills almost any ferry service which isn't for tourists.

It'll attract tourists only, if that, and IMHO, the ferry service will shut down once the trial is up. It just isn't set up to be a competitive option for anything but Broadwater - Sea World travel.

[Gazza]

Agreed, what's the point of the loop at the southern end.
HOTA should should be the end of the line.

Ditto SW should be the terminus not Broadwater Parklands.

HOTA>Surfers>Marina Mirage>Broadwater Parkland>SW

Also, the website is dumb, built for looks not functionality. Why isn't the timetable link at the very top of the page?

[achiruel]

Hourly, non-clockface timetable, large service gaps (up to 2hr gaps), expensive fares relative to the alternatives (PT/Uber), and two of the few stop pairs which don't compete with the tram (Surfers to Marina Mirage & Seaworld) run via HOTA, killing any time advantage. The routing is poor, and the 6 knot speed restriction south of the broadwater just kills almost any ferry service which isn't for tourists.

It'll attract tourists only, if that, and IMHO, the ferry service will shut down once the trial is up. It just isn't set up to be a competitive option for anything but Broadwater - Sea World travel.

While I agree the routing is sub-optimal, the I don't agree about the stop pairs. The only one which *does* compete with the LR is Broadwater Parklands-Surfers. LR doesn't serve Marina Mirage, Sea World or HOTA, although buses do (although pretty poorly in case of HOTA, IIRC).

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Gold Coast ferry: Public transport service launches this weekend after 20-year wait

The Gold Coast's long-awaited ferry service will launch this weekend after a near 20-year wait.

The ceremonial first journey will be held tomorrow afternoon when Mayor Tom Tate and Transport Minister Mark Bailey will journey across the Broadwater to attend the Mayor's Christmas Carols.

Regular services begin Sunday morning for the two-year trial, which will see the vessels travelling the Coast's waterways 13 hours a day, seven days a week, excluding Christmas.

Its first five stops will be Surfers Paradise's Appel Park, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Sea World and the Broadwater Parklands.

Further stops are set to be added early next year.

Passengers will be able to bring their surfboards and bikes aboard for journeys.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate this morning said he was excited for the launch.

"HOPO is quintessential Gold Coast and I love it. It has been mooted for decades and we finally are starting modestly with five stops," he said.

"It will be wonderful to see it keep extending perhaps all the way to Palm Beach.

"I will catch the ferry from Sea World and arrived that mayor's Christmas carols. It is a wonderful thing to feature."

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast ferry: Future stops planned for public transport expansion


The Gold Coast council's ferry service at the Broadwater Parklands stop. Picture Glenn Hampson

PASSENGERS will board a Gold Coast ferry service this weekend after a wait of nearly 20 years.

The first of three Hopo ferries will take to the water today, starting with a ceremonial first journey this afternoon and regular services tomorrow.

The ferries will run hourly from 7am-9pm, seven days a week, except Christmas Day.

Mayor Tom Tate will be aboard the first journey, which will run across the Broadwater from Sea World to the Mayor's Christmas Carols at the Southport parklands.

Cr Tate said about 700 people were expected to use the system each week in its initial days.

"This new service, part of our 2031 Transport Strategy, offers a unique travel experience to our residents and visitors, giving them greater access to our waterways and popular destinations," he said.

"Travelling by water is a great way to help reduce traffic on our roads and to enjoy the Gold Coast's beautiful waterways. It is a win-win.

"Our transport demands are growing and changing, and the ferries are one way we are diversifying our transport network to ensure the Gold Coast remains a connected city."

The ferries will stop at five waterfront precincts – Surfers Paradise's Appel Park, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Sea World and the Broadwater Parklands. A round trip would take about an hour and cost $25. A one-stop fare is $4.

Today's journey marks the end of a two-decade journey by civic leaders to set up a public transport system in the city's waterways.

Operated by Ferry I, the trial will run until late 2021.

Council will analyse data with the State Government and Gold Coast Waterways Authority before deciding whether to continue and add further stops.

Cr Tate has mooted up to 14 stops under a future expansion, including Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island, Couran Cove, Labrador, Wavebreak Island, Doug Jennings Park on The Spit, Gold Coast Convention Centre at Broadbeach and Carrara's Metricon Stadium for Gold Coast Suns games.

Ferry I general manager Anthony Ardern said the service would become a permanent fixture if the public got behind it.

"Passengers will be able to buy a day ticket to hop on and off as much as they want in the space of a day, or a single destination ticket for just $4," he said.

"The ferry will stop approximately every hour, with one ferry heading upstream and the other heading downstream. And they are fitted with ramps to suit people with all needs."

The system has been projected to take more than 3500 cars off the road.

Tickets can be bought online at hopo.com.au, on the ferry, or at a Sea World Cruises terminal.

Temporary ticketing booths are set to be placed in some locations during school holiday periods.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1202973988474867712

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> The Hopo ferry service has inaugural journey from Main Beach


The launch of the city's inaugural ferry service, Hopo, which commences regular routes on Sunday 8. (Photo/Steve Holland)

A SHIP-LOAD of people boarded the Hopo ferry at Main Beach on Saturday for the ceremonial first journey of the Gold Coast's long-awaited ferry service.

Commuting around the city by water is now a reality as the five-stop service enters a two-year trial phase, taking its first passengers today followed by the commencement of scheduled services on Sunday.

Mayor Tom Tate sailed across the Broadwater to attend the Mayor's Christmas Carols in the ferry's maiden voyage and said he hoped the service, operated by Ferry I, would carry up to 700 passengers each week.

"We're diversifying our transport network to ensure the Gold Coast remains a connected city," he said.

There were originally plans for 14 stops along Coast canals and riverways but Mayor Tate said the operators would assess the success of the service during the trial period before expanding to other locations.
"There are more ambitious locations in mind but people will be voting with their feet to consider further expansion," he said.

"No doubt it will be a success, everyone's talking about it from locals to tourists.
"It will be very popular with the 13 million visitors we get as well as the locals who just want to jump on a boat and get out onto the Broadwater.

"It is a very affordable price so anyone can ride."

"My son is obsessed with boats so he is so keen to have a ride.
"I think the service has potential to be used by locals, I'm not sure how often I would use it but it is good to just be able to get out onto the water if you don't have a boat."

Ferry I general Manager Andrew Ardern said passengers would be able to buy a day ticket to hop on and off or a single destination ticket for $4.

The ferry will stop approximately every hour, with one ferry heading upstream and the other heading downstream.

Its first five stops will be Surfers Paradise's Appel Park, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Sea World and the Broadwater Parklands.
Operation hours will be between 7am and 9pm seven days a week. Tickets can be purchased online at hopo.com.au, on the ferry, or at Sea World Cruises terminal.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/1203229250234417154

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Ferry: Hopo gets mixed reviews after first weekend of operation

THE first passengers who travelled on the Gold Coast Hopo ferry this weekend have given mixed reviews with pricing, ferry stops, and the efficiency of the long-awaited service.

The ferry route, which has been in planning stages for more than two-decades, only was able to float after the City of Gold Coast contracted family-owned river cruise business Hopo, for the Surfers Paradise to Southport service.

Mayor Tom Tate expects more than 700 passengers a week.

At Surfers Paradise Appel Park stop yesterday the pricing and timetable left Canberra retiree Karl Chamberlin confused.

"The timetable was hard to track down, not really advertised. I have no clue when it is coming, but I am looking forward to seeing how it runs," he said.

When Mr Chamberlin boarded and attempted to pay for his ticket it was difficult as the service did not have determined scheme for seniors.

"They really should have worked this out sooner," he said. "It does not look good."

Hopo crew member Ebony Francisco said concession prices did exist, but they were still working out the finer details regarding their ticketing system.

"We do not accept Go Cards, but we hope to have something similar to that for our vessels in the future," she said.

Gold Coast Hopo ferry skipper Kaelan Bates said the service had teething problems.

"We have been surprised with numbers. We expected to maybe have three people with us today, and we have had a lot more than that," he said.

The current stops include Appel Park, Home of the Arts, Marina Mirage, SeaWorld, and Broadwater Parklands. The circuit includes two zones, which affects ticket prices.

Mr Bates said the five stops were selected due to pre-existing pontoons and their status as tourist attractions.

A one way from Surfers Paradise to Broadwater Parklands will set you back $10, a full circuit $18, and day passes $25.

It costs $4 to go just one stop.

Justin Knox from Biggera Waters said he noticed the trip was not smooth sailing.

"There are a few teething problems, just like the tram," he said.

Mr Knox said the crew were having trouble with low tide at Sea World and handling the gang planks.

"They just have not built up the experience. I hope it grows. It has to start somewhere."

Hopo runs two ferry boats, named Kaiala and Mani Mahi, which are former whale watching boats and new ferry vessels are expected in the new year.

The service plans to be extended to 12 stops based on patronage.

Main Beach residents Melissa Rich and Victoria Cooper said it was essential for the ferry to service areas in Coomera.

"We definitely need more stops," Melissa Rich said.

"We have a huge population up north and it would be great to encourage them to use it."

When the Bulletin rode the ferry it took about an hour to get from Appel Park to the Broadwater Parklands.

The boat was clean and comfortable and crew members friendly.

[#Metro]

Expected just 3 people? Huh??

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Revealed: How the Gold Coast will its expand its ferry service to the north of the city $

THE Gold Coast's ferry service has the green light to get much bigger, linking with the city's northern Broadwater suburbs.

City councillors debated in a closed session at a transport committee meeting on Tuesday a new report on the trial which started in December 2019, after ferries were first proposed on the city's waterways two decades earlier.

The feedback after such a long wait has been positive.

Councillors in an open session could not talk about the report because it involved commercial contracts, but they have supported a new study to be completed in early 2022 "in relation to future possible future contract negotiations for council's endorsement".

They want a better link-up of the ferries with trams and buses on a east-west routes in the city and more promotion of positive comments by residents and tourists about the service.

But the clear indication of council's plans was backing for a "network expansion to the north, south and west". ...