Victoria: Ferries

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Wyndham to city ferry prepares to set sail in 2015

[#Metro]

$22 is far too much and is not integrated with Myki. This is going to be a major problem in attracting patronage.

[ozbob]

9 News --> Proposed Melbourne commuter ferry put to the test against bike, rail and road

Backers of a bay ferry plan say they hope to have a trial service up within the next 12 months, with a proposal to carry up to 400 passengers per journey from Wyndham to the city.

Businessman Paul Little is driving a push to trial passenger ferries to bring people into Melbourne using the bay.

"You can have a cappuccino or you can do your WiFi, they're very comfortable and they'll be a lot of fun for people to commute on," he said.

Mr Little has the backing of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, who said the service is long overdue.

"I think a water ferry service is essential for Melbourne, I don't think we use our waterways nearly well enough," he said.

How would the ferry service compare to Melbourne's other transport options?

9NEWS put it to the test with a race from Williamstown by car, train, bike and boat.

In Melbourne's weekday peak, cycling was the clear winner, arriving at Central Pier in just 24 minutes.

The train took 36 minutes, while the boat and car were equal third at 41 minutes.

One of the issues facing any potential ferry service is the five knot speed limit through the Port of Melbourne, which makes for longer travel times than what would otherwise be possible.

"The viability is still there even if the craft aren't given higher speeds up the Yarra, but we're optimistic that it'll make it even more attractive," Mr Little said.

The ferry plan is still awaiting state government approval, however backers hope to have the trial service up and running sometime next year.

"We think activating the waterways is really what Docklands needs, from a visitor perspective, but also to benefit our corporate workforce," Destination Docklands spokeswoman Kelly Jensen said.

Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/12/20/19/10/proposed-melbourne-commuter-ferry-put-to-the-test-against-bike-rail-and-road#3qZVdK0kTGEzkrzU.99

[ozbob]

3AW --> Western Suburbs Ferry to be launched next month

A 400-passenger ferry connecting the western suburbs and the city will be officially launched next month.

Former Essendon boss Paul Little is behind the new service, which will travel between Wyndham and Docklands .

Mr Little told Ross and John there are already plans to expand the service.

[ozbob]

Leader --> Port Phillip Ferries holding open day for Docklands service

PEOPLE can take a sneak peak at a new port to Werribee South ferry service ahead of its launch next week.

The new venture, which will ferry passengers from Wyndham Harbour to Victoria Harbour in Docklands, will open the decks to visitors at the weekend.

People will be able to take a tour of the ferry, enjoy food on-deck and enjoy entertainment at Victoria Harbour in the Docklands on Friday and Saturday.

Port Phillip Ferries service was launched by the Little Group, to offer an alternative to commuters who battled with peak-hour traffic on the roads.

It launches an eight-week trial on Monday which will run non-stop between Wyndham Harbour and Docklands.

Other stops such as Point Cook and Portarlington will be considered if there is demand.

The 35m long catamarans have seating for up to 400 passengers with Wi-Fi capabilities and an on-board cafe available for customers.

It will run one weekday morning and evening service from Wyndham departing at 6.40am and leaving the Docklands terminal at 5.40pm. The 31km trip will take about 75 minutes.

Parking at Wyndham Harbour marina will be included in the fare.

Return fares during the eight-week trial will cost $20, rising to $25 (online) or $29 if bought on the day.

Company chairman Paul Little said there was a pressing need for transport alternatives in a rapidly growing western suburbs.

Mr Little said the ferries would be an efficient and cost effective option for commuters.

Visitors can step a board the ferries on May 13 and May 14 between 11am and 3pm at Victoria Harbour in Docklands.

[ozbob]

^

Might see if I can fit in a ride when visiting Melbourne next (Late June).  I think might have to be quick, can't see it lasting that long.

[ozbob]

3AW catches Melbourne's new ferry - The Wyndham Explorer
http://www.3aw.com.au/news/the-long-awaited-ferry-from-werribee-to-docklands-launches-on-monday-20160512-got5oi.html

[ozbob]

Port Phillip Ferries

http://www.portphillipferries.com.au/

[#Metro]

I think it will not do so great, at least for PT or commuting purposes.

1. Too few services, infrequent. I realise this is a trial, but one wonders what the actual timetable will be.

2. Too slow, travel times are approaching 1 hour, far outside the Marchetti constant of around 30 minutes (can stretch this to say 45, but that is approaching the upper bound)

3. Massively expensive at $20! The actual price is even higher than this.

Tickets will be available to purchase on board during the trials at a reduced price of $20.

[ozbob]

^

Might see if I can fit in a ride when visiting Melbourne next (Late June).  I think might have to be quick, can't see it lasting that long.

^ Yope, hence my comment ' might have to be quick ' ... lol

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> All aboard. First CBD ferry service for western suburb commuters

Western suburbs residents will soon have an alternative to the West Gate Bridge peak hour traffic crawl to reach the city.

Starting next week, Melbourne's first commuter ferry service will begin a two-week trial from Wyndham Harbour, a housing development in Werribee South, to Victoria Harbour in Docklands.

Passengers will disembark near the NAB building, on the corner of Bourke Street and Harbour Esplanade.

During an eight-week trial, a single service will depart from Werribee South at 6.40am, arriving at the Docklands terminal just before 8am.
Advertisement

The return trip leaves Docklands at 5.40pm.

The ferry will run to a different schedule on Saturday and Sundays – with the boat leaving Wyndham Harbour at 8.30am and returning at 4pm.

Cafe and Wi-Fi facilities will be offered on the catamaran, which is 35 metres long and seats 400 people.

Tickets are $20 return, a reduced price for the trial. ...

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/first-cbd-ferry-service-for-western-suburb-commuters-20160512-gotend.html

[ozbob]

Melbourne's new commuter ferry has set sail officially.
And what a view they've got! https://t.co/MMky8o4sNJ pic.twitter.com/TUhqvtzklb

— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) May 15, 2016

[ozbob]

Twitter

Aisha Dow ‏@aishamae 1h

We're on the maiden voyage of Melbourne's first commuter ferry from Werribee South @theage



===============

Twitter

Aisha Dow ‏@aishamae 6m

Just going under the Bolte Bridge. About 60 people on board this morning.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Sun rises on Melbourne's first commuter ferry

[#Metro]

When you know the general principles, you can predict things.

Only seven passengers on Wyndham-Docklands ferry on third day of trial
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/only-seven-passengers-on-wyndhamdocklands-ferry-on-third-day-of-trial/news-story/bbf1bff8d44ebd4874ef3ecc9c84ad7b

1. It is too expensive
2. It is too slow
3. It takes too long
4. It is well outside the Marchetti constant (30-45 min one way trip)
5. It has low frequency and poor span

[ozbob]

I. am. hoping. that it is still in service the last week of June when I am in Melbourne. 

Be nice to do at least one trip!   

[ozbob]

I was thinking about pre-booking online,  not anymore.  They might fold before I get there at this rate ..

[ozbob]

Twitter

3AW Melbourne ‏@3AW693 15 minutes ago

"If it was a TV show needing ratings, it'd be off air already." Not many on new ferry... http://bit.ly/1qvcdxA

[ozbob]

Docklands News --> All upstream for new bay ferry

Since launching its eight-week trial period, Little Group chairman Paul Little's Port Phillip Ferries venture has struggled to gain anywhere near the uptake it was expecting.

The new service launched with much fanfare on Thursday, May 12, with Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and a number of esteemed guests turning out to support Mr Little's initiative.  However, the 400-seat vessel has since attracted disappointing numbers for its daily run between Wyndham Harbour and Docklands.

Port Phillip Ferries CEO Murray Rance admitted that, while numbers hadn't been great during the week, he said the group had been very encouraged by higher numbers on weekends.

According to Mr Rance, numbers between Monday and Friday had been averaging "in the 20s", while weekends had seen numbers peak above 50.

"The customer feedback during the week has been really positive," Mr Rance said. "Commuters are telling us that it's a really relaxing ride and a great way to start their day."

Anecdotally, weekday passenger numbers ranged between 15 and seven in the fortnight preceding this edition of Docklands News.

Asked at the official launch whether he thought the initiative would be a success, the Lord Mayor said he was confident that people would embrace it as a viable transport option.

"I think so. They've got open days coming up and I think people will get down to have a look," Cr Doyle said.  "The people of Melbourne will absolutely embrace this as a new form of transport in our beautiful city."

However, while still in its very early days, it would appear the service faces some significant challenges in keeping the venture afloat, with issues remaining around berthing and ticket prices.

Mr Rance said the business was continuing to tweak its services in reaction to customer feedback and that the response from the corporate and tourism sectors had been "really positive".

The ferry service will be moving its berthing location from Merchant St to Hortus cafe in the next few weeks in order to connect passengers directly to the free tram service along Harbour Esplanade.

During the trial, tickets cost $13 one-way and $20 return and it's expected that this will rise to $25 once the trial concludes.

Mr Little told Docklands News he didn't think the service was charging too much. 

"It's not what we've been told," he said. "I think if you were to get a one way rail ticket from Geelong to Melbourne and return that's about $25 so I think we're right on the money in that respect."

"I'll make the point we're not trying to compete with rail in terms of price. That's not what we're about," Mr Little said.

Travelling time has also been a subject of debate with the ferry taking an average 75 minutes to complete the journey.

Cr Doyle said he would work towards "relaxing" the lower Yarra speed limits.

"Five knots is too slow as you come up the river. It adds just a little too much to the journey," he said.

Mr Rance told Docklands News that the group had met with the Port of Melbourne Authority recently to work through the process of obtaining an approval to travel at higher speeds.

He said the ferry would eventually conduct a wave, wake and safety assessment and was optimistic that the service would eventually be able to travel at speeds ranging between 10 and 15 knots.

[#Metro]

The price system is a wonderful thing - it gives objective feedback about what people think about a good or service because it allows people to vote with their feet.

The service has major fundamental problems in terms of frequency, speed and cost.

At least connection with the tram is a step in the right direction.

The higher patronage on weekends may indicate it is better as a tourist service than a commuter service.

I predict the ferry will go bankrupt by the end of the year.

[ozbob]

Leader --> Free travel on Wyndham Harbour-Docklands ferry on June 10 as Port Phillip Ferries struggle to fill seats

COMMUTERS can get on board the Wyndham new ferry service for free tomorrow.

Port Phillip Ferries announced this week that trips from Wyndham Harbour and Docklands would be free for all travellers on Friday, June 10.

It includes all timetabled trips from Werribee South and the Docklands.

The operators have struggled to fill seats on the ship, with passenger numbers remaining low during the trial period.

Wyndham Leader contacted Port Phillip Ferries to question current passenger numbers, the prices and the reasoning.

A spokeswoman for the company said she would provide updated figures next week.

Operations director Murray Rance has previously said while the trial started with low numbers the company expected patronage to improve over time.

"Our research has shown it takes time for people to change their habits and we think it will happen," he said at the time.

An online survey found more than 45 per cent of the 1400 people who responded said the price was too expensive.

During passenger trials tickets cost $13 one-way and $20 return.

Others have called for it to be lined into the Myki service.

Leesa Ward wrote on social media if the ferries were subsidised by the government and people could use Myki on-board it would be more popular.

"The ferry is a fantastic idea but is very expensive, especially if you have to catch a connecting train or tram," Ms Ward said.

Greg Keane wrote: "I like the ferry idea but unless you work in the CBD, can afford the current $100 per week, can work around the lame timetable and can get to the Werribee South jetty easily it's pretty much useless."

Just days after its publicised launch there were only seven paying passengers on board the ferry which has seating for up to 400.

[ozbob]

The cost of a trip on the new Docklands ferry has just been SLASHED.

MORE --> https://t.co/6P9DmsHlPk pic.twitter.com/zu434WBv2x

— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) June 14, 2016

[ozbob]

^

The price of travel on Melbourne's new ferry has been slashed by more than half, in the hope of attracting more commuters.

The Wyndham Explorer, which travels from Melbourne's west to Docklands, will now cost just $7.40 - the same price as public transport.

Paul Little, the man behind the project which officially launched just over a month ago, told Ross and John the change should see a spike in passengers.

"I think we'll find a number of potential passengers will now come and use our service," he said on 3AW Breakfast.

Lucky me!  Just in time for my visit to Melbourne 

[ozbob]

Geelong Advertiser --> Ferry trial: Portarlington to Melbourne trip to take 90 minutes and cost about $25 return

AFTER years of lobbying from Bellarine locals, a passenger ferry trial from Portarlington to Melbourne will start next Friday.

The trip is tipped to take about 90 minutes and cost about $25 return.

The service will be operated by Port Phillip Ferries, the privately­ run passenger ferry service that this year began a service between Wyndham Harbour near Werribee and Victoria Harbour at Docklands.

Port Phillip Ferries oper­ations director Murray Rance said the trial service would probably run mid-morning.

"It will run from Portarlington to Docklands and return. People will be invited to register their interest and we'll provide some information on the website," he said.

"The feedback from the local community down there has been very strong so we're actually responding to them.

"(Bellarine MP Lisa) Nev­ille, prior to changing portfolio, asked us if we would run the trial and we're doing that."

Mr Rance said if the trial was successful, the company would consider scheduling more test runs, but in order for it to succeed people needed to "jump on board".

"It needs the people to support it — given the lobbying we've see it's a real opportunity for success," he said.

"We get the feeling for locals versus the trains and the fact that we can get to Docklands in 88 minutes, it will be a good offering. We're working on the speed in the Yarra (River) and if it's successful we'd like to think we can enter in discussions with relevant authorities to take up to 15 minutes off the time."

Ms Neville said the trial was a significant step.

"As local member I am very supportive of a future ferry service to Melbourne and of course the State Government has committed $15 million for the current construction of the Portarlington Safe Harbour that includes provision for a future­ ferry," she said.

"It is exciting to see trials taking place and I look forward to PPF's feedback to government in the coming weeks."

The company recently had to cut fares for the Wyndham Harbour and Victoria Harbour service because of low passenger numbers.

Mr Rance said they would get feedback from those who attended the July trial and relay that to the government.

"Within the next two to three weeks we'll be having a discussion with the government on how things are progressing."

[ozbob]

Nothing on > http://www.portphillipferries.com.au/ yet.

[ozbob]

Bellarine abuzz as Portarlington to Melbourne ferry gets set for maiden voyage https://t.co/sLXpYHhjwa via @theage

— Clay Lucas (@ClayLucas) July 27, 2016

[ozbob]

I took a ride on the ferry on the 2nd July 2016 > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12173.msg176195#msg176195

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Port Phillip Ferries service hits trouble with trial between Melbourne and the western suburbs

HIGH profile businessman Paul Little has so far spent about $1 million on his struggling ferry trial between the city and the western suburbs.

However, his Port Phillip Ferries company is eyeing a service to Portarlington and even routes like Frankston and St Kilda on the eastern side of the bay.

Port Phillip started running daily commuter services between Wyndham Harbour in South Werribee and Docklands in May, but patronage has been abysmal.

Mr Little, the former Toll Holdings boss who is worth an estimated $870 million, is puzzled why his congestion-busting alternative for CBD workers hasn't worked.

"We've never had a commuter ferry service operating for any time in the bay and so it's a concept that most Melburnians have got to get their head around," he said.

"I just think that the service for the people that live in that region, it doesn't suit their needs."

Mr Little said that issues like timetable schedules and getting approval to increase speeds on the Yarra River could be addressed, "but I'm still not convinced that Wyndham will work for us on a commercial basis".

"By any measure you'd have to say that it's struggling. But have we written it off at this point of time? No."

Last Friday, Port Phillip Ferries ran a one-off trial between Docklands and Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula with all seats booked on the 400-seat catamaran.

Mr Little, the former Essendon Football Club chairman who dealt with the fallout from the supplements saga, was optimistic about the route.

"We could and we'd love to run a daily service from Portarlington and then we'd address the speed in the Yarra, which is a costly exercise but nonetheless one that is doable," he said.

"We've had some very encouraging market surveys that would indicate there could be a regular ongoing demand and we would love to reach that sort of stage if we can."

Also on the radar are potential services to much closer bay suburbs like Frankston, Brighton and St Kilda.

"It would be more of a shorter haul and more equated to a bus route, I suppose, in terms of the ports of call," he said.

Mr Little said he had spent about $1 million on the Wyndham trials so far but he could lose at least double that if they continued for the next few months.

"But I don't think that will happen," he said.

[ozbob]

Geelong Advertiser --> Portarlington-Docklands commuter ferry success spurs more trials, with decision on the way

A  DECISION on the viability of a Portarlington ferry service is expected this month.

Momentum is building for the initiative with strong interest securing further trial runs of the service this week.

After last Friday's debut venture sold out in a matter of hours, Port Phillip Ferries has booked a further two trips from the Bellarine Peninsula through to Docklands.

A 200-strong waiting list, enough to fill half the 35-metre long catamaran, convinced the Little Group to put on further passenger trials Thursday and Friday ...

[ozbob]

http://www.portphillipferries.com.au/schedule-pricing

New schedule from Thursday 11 August

From Thursday 11 August, Port Phillip Ferries will be running a service for Portarlington commuters, as well as some of the previous Wyndham Harbour services.

To view these services in detail including pricing for each service, please download the following information sheets.

Portarlington Services (PDF 96kb)

Wyndham Harbour Services (PDF 89kb)

For all queries, please contact us at portphillipferries@little.com.au

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Port Phillip Ferries ends Docklands to Wyndham Harbour trial, no decision on permanent ferry service

TRIALS of Melbourne's new ferry service will finish this week but Port Phillip Ferries has indicated a permanent service may be introduced later.

Owned by prominent businessman Paul Little, the company had poor patronage for the original daily commute route between Docklands and Wyndham Harbour and changed it to weekend services only.

However, it reported more success with week day and weekend services between Portarlington and Docklands.

In a statement released today, Port Phillip said the trial period will finish this Friday.

"Encouragingly patronage of the service has gained momentum over the later part of the trial period," it said.

"The vessel will now be lifted out of the water for planned maintenance over the next month, to ensure we maintain the highest service and safety standards."

Ferry operation manager Jamie Rusco said services were being "temporarily postponed" and the exact date of recommencement was yet to be determined.

"However, we have every intention of continuing the service and further announcements will be made during the maintenance period," he said.

Mr Little, the former Essendon Football Club chairman, said in July that he had spent about $1 million on the project so far.

"By any measure you'd have to say that it's struggling. But have we written it off at this point of time? No," he said then.

Mr Little said a key issue was the low speed limit in the Yarra River but he had been hoping to resolve it in talks with authorities.

He also indicated then the possibility of potential services to much closer bay suburbs such as Frankston, Brighton and St Kilda.

"It would be more of a shorter haul and more equated to a bus route, I suppose, in terms of the ports of call," he said.

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/all-aboard-ferry-service-sets-sail-from-portarlington/

All Aboard: Ferry Service Sets Sail From Portarlington

Minister for Water 21 November 2016

Victorians and tourists will continue to enjoy a ferry service from Portarlington to Docklands as the Andrews Labor Government and Port Phillip Ferries build public transport for the future.

Visiting Portarlington Pier today, Minister for Water Lisa Neville announced the Labor Government had struck a deal to guarantee the ferry service for at least three years.

From tomorrow, ferries will run out of Portarlington, giving local commuters another travel option and bringing tourism to the Bellarine. A new schedule and pricing arrangement will also be available.

Work is underway to raise speed limits on the Yarra to appropriate levels – which could slash journey times by up to 15 minutes. This is on track to be in place early in the new year, subject to a safety and environmental review.

Commuters and day-trippers will be able to use the service throughout the coming summer months and for the Christmas school holidays, as tourist numbers swell across the Bellarine.

Construction continues on the $15 million Portarlington Safe Harbour project that includes provision for dedicated ferry berthing. These works are progressing well and will be completed in early 2017.

The Government and Port Phillip Ferries are working through the final details of the agreement. Services out of Wyndham Harbour will not be renewed at this stage.

We're supporting the local Bellarine economy and ensuring our state remains a tourism hotspot well in the future.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

"The Andrews Labor Government was elected to put people first, and we've spent every day of the last two years achieving that by giving Victorians and tourists the transport services they need to get around our state."

"During the busy summer months when tourism swells across the Bellarine, this will be a great way to commute to the city."

Quotes attributable to Port Phillip Ferries Owner Paul Little

"My vision has always been using Port Phillip Bay more effectively for commuters and visitors to our wonderful city."

"This is an exciting time as we see the bay opened up for commuters, particularly those living on the Bellarine Peninsula, and for Melburnians travelling the other way."

"We hope to extend the service to other regions of our bay once services for Portarlington are established."

[ozbob]

A commuter ferry across the bay looks to be a permanent feature after the government gave it the green light. #9News https://t.co/RORzrRTIwk

— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) November 21, 2016

[ozbob]

Port Phillip Ferries ferry to Portarlington about to leave. pic.twitter.com/Vf2zwVbFmd

— Drew james (@trainspotter67) December 9, 2016

[ozbob]

Domain --> Catch a ferry down the Yarra: new plan to use the river to get to work

The brains behind Richmond's $1 billion Nylex site redevelopment have mooted a ferry service for the Yarra River that could help ease congestion in the inner city.

The proposal to make the river an alternative transport corridor – by ferrying passengers daily to and from Richmond and the CBD – forms part of developer Caydon's Cremorne project The Malt District. The landmark site faced controversy when Heritage Victoria expressed concerns for its famous silos and Nylex sign last year. The sign and many of the silos are being retained.

The proposed ferry is expected to take about seven minutes to travel from the Cremorne development to the city. The theoretical route may also stop at the Richmond sporting precinct during events and around Chapel Street, potentially easing overcrowding at South Yarra station.

"To us it makes sense, especially in such a congested area," Jarrod Stratton, Caydon's chief operations officer, said.

The proposal takes inspiration from ferries in Sydney and New York City, and developers hope to attract tourists to an underutilised part of the river, Mr Stratton said.

Caydon wants government support for the idea, including from Yarra River custodians Parks Victoria, although it would privately fund the service itself by partnering a riverboat operator. But Mr Stratton said the viability of the service would rest on a final business case.

The brains behind Richmond's $1 billion Nylex site redevelopment have mooted a ferry service for the Yarra River that could help ease congestion in the inner city.

The proposal to make the river an alternative transport corridor – by ferrying passengers daily to and from Richmond and the CBD – forms part of developer Caydon's Cremorne project The Malt District. The landmark site faced controversy when Heritage Victoria expressed concerns for its famous silos and Nylex sign last year. The sign and many of the silos are being retained.

The proposed ferry is expected to take about seven minutes to travel from the Cremorne development to the city. The theoretical route may also stop at the Richmond sporting precinct during events and around Chapel Street, potentially easing overcrowding at South Yarra station.

The proposed ferry would take about seven minutes to reach the city from Richmond.The proposed ferry would take about seven minutes to reach the city from Richmond. Photo: Craig Abraham

"To us it makes sense, especially in such a congested area," Jarrod Stratton, Caydon's chief operations officer, said.
graphic

The proposal takes inspiration from ferries in Sydney and New York City, and developers hope to attract tourists to an underutilised part of the river, Mr Stratton said.

Caydon wants government support for the idea, including from Yarra River custodians Parks Victoria, although it would privately fund the service itself by partnering a riverboat operator. But Mr Stratton said the viability of the service would rest on a final business case.

The Nylex sign and the silos are a landmark in Melbourne.The Nylex sign and the silos are a landmark in Melbourne. Photo: Josh Robenstone

Last year, Port Phillip Ferries – owned by developer Paul Little – ran an eight-week trial ferry from Werribee South's Wyndham Harbour to Docklands, but canned the service following poor patronage. A Portarlington to Docklands route proved more popular, with the company committing to a regular service for the next three years.

Mr Stratton believed the Yarra River route would prove more popular than the Port Phillip Bay passage, given it was a significantly shorter distance and would be more attractive to commuters wanting to get into the city on a daily basis.

With the growth of Australia's knowledge economy, research shows jobs will continue to be concentrated in the city centre, putting further stress on choked public transport systems and gridlocked roads. The state government is already looking at a $600 million fix to get commuters to re-embrace the city's bus routes.

Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson welcomed any push that took cars off the road.

"Using the river as mode of transport is a creative initiative," Mr Anderson said.

"This is a low impact and highly efficient service using a part of the river where there's not a lot of competition, although maybe with rowers in the morning," he said. "Cities like Sydney have been doing this for a long time."

But Tony Morton, Public Transport Users Association president, said there was a natural role for ferries in Sydney and Brisbane because those cities were bisected by very large bodies of water, while the Yarra River was narrower and easier to bridge.

He said the proposed ferry would overlap the existing route 70 tram. "We're not so keen on the idea of trying to meet people's transport needs by providing a niche service here and a niche service there."

"Although we find the idea of a ferry an interesting curiosity, it's just one of a number of these types of projects that have been tried and have not been able to sustain themselves because they are essentially duplicating something that already exists."

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Yarra River ferry from Chapel St to Melbourne CBD, Docklands plan

A COMMUTER river ferry would run from Chapel St to the city and Docklands under a plan being hatched by high-profile businessman Paul Little and Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.

Preliminary talks have begun about running a service on the Yarra river from the Church St Bridge into the CBD and beyond.

Mr Little's Port Phillip Ferries company, which runs a service between Portarlington and Docklands, is considering its options.

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive Murray Rance said many criteria had to be met before the service was viable.

"We are interested and we are having conversations but we need to do a fair bit more research,'' Mr Rance said.

That included wash, speed, bridge heights and the impact on other users such as the rowers from clubs near Alexandra Gardens, he said.

"But there's an appetite for it,'' Mr Rance said.

r Doyle said he was a strong supporter of a new ferry service on the Yarra.

"I've spoken to Paul Little about this possibility and I'm very hopeful that if we can remove some regulatory barriers it would be a great addition to Melbourne's tourism and transport options," he said.

Mr Rance said approvals were needed from several government departments as well as consulting other river users.

"If you drive down Alexandra Avenue in the mornings, it's hopeless trying to get into the city, so it'd make sense to use the waterways," he said.

Mr Little, former boss of Toll Holdings and ex-chairman of the Essendon Football Club, launched Port Phillip Ferries, which runs services three times a day from Docklands to Portarlington.

The company already has a base at Victoria Harbour and would need to find a new stop along the river in the city, possibly near Princes Bridge or Crown. A new pontoon or stop would also have to be created on the banks of the river near the Church St Bridge.

A much smaller vessel would be required, rather than the 35m vessel crossing the bay. The ferry would enable travellers to connect to or from Chapel St trams and South Yarra train station.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Richmond to Docklands in seven minutes? Yarra River ferry commuter plan floated

Port Phillip Ferries has emerged as a potential operator of a Yarra River ferry service to take passengers from South Yarra  and Richmond to the CBD and Docklands.

The privately owned ferry service - which currently runs between Portarlington, on the Bellarine Peninsula, and Docklands - has confirmed it is discussing a river commuter service with Richmond's $1 billion Nylex site developer Caydon Property Group.

Port Phillip Ferries wants to run a Yarra River commuter service. Here's how its Wyndham to Docklands service looked during an eight-week trial.

Caydon first raised the river commuter service in Domain as a travel alternative to the congestion on Punt Road and Alexandra Avenue.

The developer said the proposed ferry would take about seven minutes to travel from Cremorne to the city. It suggested other stops could include the Richmond sporting precinct and around Chapel Street in South Yarra.

Commuters travelling by car at 8am on Thursday would have taken about 18 minutes to travel from the Nylex site to Docklands and 21 minutes from Chapel Street.

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive officer Murray Rance said the ferry proposal was in its early stages. He said travel times would depend on how fast a vessel could travel, and the number of stops.

Mr Rance said his company's ferry service from Portarlington to Docklands took four years to develop, but he believed the Richmond project could be running within a year.

"Because of what we have done with Portarlington and our experience on the bay and the river, yes we are interested, but there is lots of research to done," Mr Rance said.

He said stops could include Chapel Street, Cremorne, Richmond, the Royal Botanic Gardens.

"A lot of people ... have been talking about the commuter aspect of it but there is a great potential for tourism as well," Mr Rance said.

"There are a lot of things you can showcase in our city from the river," he said.

He said stakeholders like Parks Victoria, and rowing clubs would need to be consulted, and that issues for the service would include the vessel's wash and speed, and bridge heights.

The vessel used would need to be much smaller than the one used for the Portarlington service which is a 35-metre, 100-tonne, 400-person vessel, he said.

Mr Rance said Port Phillip Ferries had learnt from its failed eight-week ferry trial from Werribee South's Wyndham Harbour to Docklands.

He said the Richmond project had the backing of Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle and that initial interest in the service had been positive.

He said poor parking around the river would not affect the service.

"Parking is not really an issue for South Yarra because a lot of people live in apartments," Mr Rance said.

Tony Morton, Public Transport Users Association president, described the river commuter plan as a "nice idea" but said it duplicated existing tram services, including the number 70 tram.

"It is a nice experience sitting in a ferry, but it is something to do on an occasional basis," Mr Morton said.

"As an alternative to existing public transport, we don't see it making an awful lot of sense," he said.

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Ferries used as public transport could rule the Yarra River, in a bid to ease Melbourne's peak hour traffic. @msanto92 #9News pic.twitter.com/z1XJ1WcjC2

— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) May 11, 2017

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Yarra River commuter ferry service from Docklands and Chapel St one step closer

AN inner city ferry commuter service is a step closer with the potential operator encouraged by recent trials.

Businessman Paul Little wants to run the service between Docklands and the Church St Bridge to appeal to residents and shoppers around Chapel St.

Mr Little, who owns Portarlington to Docklands operator Port Phillip Ferries, said trials on the Yarra River had been positive.

"We're still going through the viability but it's looking encouraging," he told the Herald Sun.

"Since we made more public our interest in running the service we've had a lot of other parties approach us about the possibility of having stations along the way."

"It's quite exciting."

Mr Little, the former Essendon Football Club chairman, said the next step was to work out how many stops to have.

"(Lord Mayor) Robert Doyle speaks a lot about shoppers wanting to access Chapel St without the need to be parking vehicles and so forth, so I think there'd be an element of shopping and day trippers there," he said.

Cr Doyle said that Mr Little was a man of vision and determination and "I've always been optimistic about his proposal".

"And if things are going in the right direction, that's great news for Melbourne commuters," he said.

"I love that Melbourne is a place where we work together to get things done so while there may be obstacles to making this service a reality, I am hopeful that we can work through them."

Port Phillip Ferries is getting a new purpose-built vessel to better suit bay conditions for the Portarlington service, which has been running since last year after a trial between Docklands and Wyndham Harbour failed.

Mr Little said the future of the Portarlington route was still being considered.

"Operationally it's wonderful, it's just getting our heads around whether it's a commuter service or whether it's more, I guess, appealing to people who want to use it as more of a tourist type thing or a combination of both," he said.

The firm is currently offering a special where commuters pay just one-way for the $27 return service leaving Portarlington at 7am and returning from Docklands at 5.30pm.

There is also a Geelong "maiden voyage" planned for October 7 which includes dinner at a Bellarine Peninsula winery.

Mr Little and his wife Jane Hansen were today honoured at the State Library for donating $3.5 million to the library's redevelopment project.

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