On the Ferries

[STB]

Does anybody know what is happening (if anything) with the Coochiemudlo ferry?

I haven't heard anything new down my way, other than the redevelopment of the Victoria Point Jetty.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane ferry popularity surges

[SteelPan]

MAYBE one day - actually raised this to surprising support a few years back, we might have all night "Nightlink" cross river/citycat services on the weekend? - never know ya luck in the mid-size city!  One day.....   

[ozflier]

Hi,

I don't post often as I live at kangaroo point and am blessed with an excellent ferry service so no need for buses or trains.

I would like to reflect on the excellent City"hopper" service from North Quay to Sydney Street New Farm.

What a brilliant idea certainly for me who gets to use it for free.

It was started soon after the LNP win, apparently it was an election promise –and they kept it.

It has got to the stage now that it is standing room only for some services, the upper deck is almost always full and I have seen passengers turned away at the Eagle Street stop because the boat was full. Some "hopper"s have an extra staff member presumably to assist with boarding, push the counting clicker and ensure that there are no standees on the top deck.

There do seem to be a few tourists on board but how can you tell?

The standard Cityferries are much less loaded than the "hopper"s and it amuses me to see passengers ignoring the pay ferry and wait for the "hopper" to turn up to continue their trip.

From my perch on the 9th floor facing east at Kangaroo Point , it appears that when a "hopper" arrives close to the time of a Citycat , there are often more passengers getting off the former at Sydney Street, New Farm than the larger boat. With the construction of the new river walkway, there is a strict speed limit in that area so the faster Citycats do not have an advantage there in terms of getting people home faster.

Is Translink losing money on these ferries?  Presumably, in a strictly accounting sense, yes. One upside is that the "hopper"s create more space on the Citycats travelling between North Quay and Sydney Street and that may be a good thing for people travelling further.

The "hopper" is a great example of how potentially more people use public transport when it is free – I do not know the figures so cannot say that the increase in "hopper" loadings is secondary only to the loss of the Cityferry boarding. I don't think so. Certainly Burke Park and the Point cliffs area are becoming more popular and more and more accommodation is going up in our area. That may also be a cause for more travel.

At the moment, I think the big issue is what to do with the underused Cityferries that do the 20 minutely Holman Street to Eagle Street to Thornton Street run. One suggestion would be to incorporate those boats into the city "hopper" service and increase its frequency eg from the current 30 minutely to 20 minutely – I guess would need more boats though and less fare income! 

In any case, the free City "hopper" service is very popular and a good Campbell Newman change and hopefully may be an indicator of how public transport may go in Brisbane.

[ozbob]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.  It is good that folks use the CityHopper, but it also further highlights the need to sort the fare system out for the majority on the rest of the paid ferries, bus and rail.  The base fares are simply too high.  Have had feedback from regular commuters who are delighted that they can now travel to and from work for free on the hopper   ... 

however the overall impact on the fare box would not be that great ... but good luck to them!

[SurfRail]

I understand it is about $6m per year to provide, but BCC is underwriting the cost so TransLink is not losing money on it (assuming they modelled the revenue shortfall from the free travel correctly).

GCCC is planning to undergo a similar exercise to provide free bus travel for seniors during the off-peak.  Not sure of the mechanics but buses will be easy enough - getting the light rail involved will be a different story, and trains are probably out.

[ozbob]

Some photographs of the Regatta CityCat Terminal, Toowong.



















Photographs R Dow 22nd August 2013

[techblitz]

Bulimba ferry Tender
09.10.13

[ozbob]

Few photographs from a journey on the river today ..





































Photographs R Dow 15th October 2013

[ozbob]

Media Release
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Palm Island's new ferry service extended

The trial for the fifth weekly passenger ferry service between Palm Island and Townsville has been extended to 31 December due to good results since it first started in June.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Member for Townsville John Hathaway said the initial trial, operated by SeaLink Queensland, had been well supported by passengers.

"The initial trial was operated on a 'use it or lose it' basis and so far passenger numbers have increased by more than five per cent," Mr Emerson said.

Mr Hathaway said around 12,300 passengers used the service in June, July and August last year, compared to almost 13,000 passengers for the same three months this year.

"The decision whether to fully implement the change will be made before the trial ends," he said.

Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey said the extra service between the island and the mainland was introduced to give passengers more choice and flexibility about when they travel.

"The Council welcomes the extension of the trial. The ferry service provides an important connection to the mainland for a lot of the Island's residents," Mr Lacey said.

For more information about public transport, visit the qconnect website www.qconnect.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 23 October 2013

[Set in train]

Media Release
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Palm Island's new ferry service extended


For more information about public transport, visit the qconnect website www.qconnect.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 23 October 2013

I love to stir this nest so I will:

So the Palm Island service is on qconnect yet to Coochie and Straddie they're still not. Interesting.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Near-drowned man stable after CityCat crew lash him to life ring and tow him to terminal

[longboi]

Media Release
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Palm Island's new ferry service extended


For more information about public transport, visit the qconnect website www.qconnect.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 23 October 2013

I love to stir this nest so I will:

So the Palm Island service is on qconnect yet to Coochie and Straddie they're still not. Interesting.

Bit late to the party but no regional ferries are qconnect services.

Using that URL is just easier than navigating to http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Public-transport/Ferries.aspx

[ozbob]

Twitter

Penny Dahl (Cameron) ‏@Pennycopter 5h

Barges and ferries evacuating residents and tourists #StradbrokeIsland due to large fires http://t.co/j1oFK9ifuUuU

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Lovely day on the river .. go the go rort! :-) http://t.co/DdTtKUB0jJ

[ozbob]

Photographs R Dow 21st January 2014

[ozbob]

CityCat and Cross River Ferry timetable changes with effect 28th January 2014

--> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/5566/details

[ozbob]

Spirit of Brisbane UQ





Photographs R Dow 13th February 2014

[ozbob]

Few random photographs from travel on river today ..































Photographs R Dow 13th February 2014

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> CityCats and ferries commandeered to recover bodies

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Police Minister Jack Dempsey orders probe into bridge suicide victims

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Bulimba, Hawthorne and Bretts Wharf CityCat terminals to get upgrades

[ozbob]

Bayside Bulletin --> Seeney calls for Redland City ferry terminal investors

[ozbob]

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Next step in revitalisation of Redland sites

Families in the Redland Shire will enjoy vibrant new waterfront communities with the development of two key sites.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney called for expressions of interest and said it was part of the Queensland Government's strong plan that would create a brighter future for families.

"We promised at the election to deliver better infrastructure and planning and the declaration of Priority Development Areas at Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek are strong examples of our policies at work in cities, towns and suburbs across Queensland," Mr Seeney said.

"The developments planned for these sites will create exciting waterfront communities for families to enjoy and help grow the local tourism industry, as we promised we would do.

"They could include open spaces for families to visit and play as well as retail and residential opportunities.

"Labor ignored the potential and bogged regional planning down in red tape, but we want to create a brighter future.

"Redland City is located in one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and the development of these areas marks a new economic era for the region."

Mr Seeney said the overarching plans have now been finalised and have incorporated changes requested by the community such as reduced building heights, retention of existing open space and the requirement that developments respect amenity issues such as local character, views and breezes.

"The next stage is to go out to the market and gauge interest in developing the sites," he said.

"We are confident developers will share our vision to enhance Toondah Harbour as the gateway to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island, and Weinam Creek as the gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands."

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the two projects at Cleveland and Redland Bay Toondah had enormous potential to be transformed into dynamic waterfront precincts that are destinations in their own right.

"These are the two most exciting projects to ever take place in the Redlands," Ms Williams said.

"The community has been calling for these two sites to be developed for many years so there is a real sense of excitement now that we have moved to the next stage of inviting expressions of interest from investors.

"Council has always said the redevelopment of these key sites should be taken up by the market rather than left to the ratepayers and the Expression of Interest stage is our chance to sell the Redlands to the world to secure the investors needed to make these projects a reality.

"Desired outcomes for Toondah Harbour include a new plaza and passenger ferry terminal, marina precinct and mixed-use urban village that will be the heart of the area, delivering a range of community, tourism and recreational experiences.

"There is also the potential for marine and tourism-associated retail, business and residential opportunities.

"All of this will be balanced with community open space and parks that will enhance the bayside location.

"At Weinam Creek there is a potential for a new waterfront esplanade and public space to be lined with shops, cafes and apartments to attract locals and tourists, as well as a marina.

"At the same time it is also important to ensure locals have the amenity and services they require including sustainable long-term parking for island residents and facilities for existing community groups.

"Existing commercial centres such as the Cleveland CBD will also be considered as part of the overall process, to ensure these exciting projects complement the city's existing strengths."

Interested groups have six weeks to submit an Expression of Interest, which closes on 28 July 2014.

For more information visit www.edq.qld.gov.au or www.redland.qld.gov.au

To view the EOI documents visit www.etender.qld.gov.au and use reference no: EDQ-10-229/14

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Billion dollar shake-up for riverside Brisbane revealed

[Otto]

.
-----> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/18896/details

Bulimba ferry terminal temporary closure

On Tuesday 5 August, Bulimba ferry terminal will close for upgrade works. The terminal will be closed for the duration of the works, until late 2014.

While the upgrade is underway, the terminal won't be serviced by either CityCats or the Bulimba to Teneriffe cross river ferry.

Temporary route 237 is a dedicated shuttle bus that will run throughout the construction.

A loop service, route 237 will run between Gordon Street, Hawthorne to the corner of Apollo Road and Byron Street, Bulimba and will service all the same stops as routes 230 and 232. The full loop will take approximately 24 minutes.

You can already plan your journey on route 237, but you will need to select 'Tue 5 Aug 2014' as your travel day.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> CityCat No. 20 a floating tribute to leaders' summit

[Otto]

Took a ride on the City Hopper from Eagle St at approx 8pm to North Quay .. Full load onboard. Great way to view the light show from the top deck on the South Bank facing side of the city.
A great light show each night on the old Land Admin Building ( Treasury Hotel ) . View from Queens Park. Recommend you go see it if you get the chance.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> State Government approves new barge service from Redcliffe Peninsula to Moreton Island

[ozbob]

Twitter

Lexy Hamilton-Smith @LexyHS  3 hours ago

Preview of new Bulimba ferry terminal.. Dual berth. Will enable more peak time travel @7newsBrisbane

[ozbob]

Twitter

Brisbane City ‏@brisbanecityqld 15 seconds ago

The Hawthorne ferry terminal will close for upgrade works from Mon 15 Dec. A shuttle bus service will be in place. http://bne.cc/1yNGuc8

[ozbob]

TransLink --> Bulimba terminal reopening and Hawthorne ferry terminal upgrade

[ozbob]

BCC --> Sydney Street ferry terminal closing for upgrade

[ozbob]

^
Brisbanetimes --> Sydney Street CityCat stop closes for upgrade

[bcasey]

Attended a seminar at QUT this morning, so decided to take the Citycat from Milton to QUT and back. It is probably not the quickest method to get there, but much more relaxing, less walking, and no transfer required. I haven't been on a CityCat since the 90's, and I also wanted to check out the new Milton Terminal. Its quite an impressive piece of infrastructure, very spacious compared to some of the other terminals, particular the QUT one, and links in well with both the walk/cycle path and with Coronation Drive and Park Road. The ferries themselves were very punctual, and there was a decent amount of patronage on them for that time of day, mainly people getting on and off at the South Bank Terminal.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Brisbane City ‏@brisbanecityqld now

Maritime Museum ferry terminal will close Tues 17 Feb for upgrade works. We appreciate your patience. http://bne.cc/1DdMZXw

[SurfRail]

The terminal which attracts around 30 passengers a day...

[ozbob]

Twitter

7News Brisbane ‏@7NewsBrisbane 6 hours ago

WATCH: Why it's not all smooth sailing for Brisbane's City Cats. @DamienHansen7 http://yhoo.it/1KHIkjd 

[ozbob]

Calls for an audit of Brisbane's City Cats
7News Brisbane February 12, 2015, 7:40 pm

There have been calls for an audit of Brisbane's river transport network after revelations passengers have been left stranded aboard vessels. Damien Hansen reports.

--> https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/26279124/calls-for-an-audit-of-brisbanes-city-cats/

[ozbob]

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

New and upgraded ferry terminals open for busy Easter trade

Residents and visitors to Coochiemudlo Island over the Easter break will benefit from new and improved ferry terminal facilities following the completion of the new Coochiemudlo terminal and a revamp of the Victoria Point ferry terminal.

Minister for Main Roads, Roads Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government had worked closely with the Redland City Council and the local community to deliver the jointly-funded $6.9 million facilities.

"The new Coochiemudlo Island facilities were shaped by the community for the community. We received feedback from more than 200 Coochiemudlo Island residents during the early design phase for the new terminal and many of their suggestions were incorporated into the final design," Mr Bailey said.

"The completion of the new $4.2 million terminal couldn't have come at a better time with the busy Easter break upon us. Visitors to the island will be able to enjoy these new facilities, including the new jetty and pontoon."

Mr Bailey said the $2.7 million Victoria Point ferry terminal improvements included a new pontoon, hinged gangway, resurfacing of the existing deck and upgrades to the existing covered waiting area.

"This new and upgraded infrastructure is a shining example of what can be achieved when two tiers of government work together.

"These facilities will serve the local community well into the future," Mr Bailey said.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Coochiemudlo Island works delivered a fixed jetty with a covered lookout area and gangway, along with a floating pontoon to rise with the tide.

"These safety improvements mean the new jetty provides easy access for passengers with mobility issues and parents with prams, in line with disability design standards and suitable for all weather conditions," Cr Williams said.

"The old jetty with its fixed landing area, which set passengers down at stairs, was out-dated and made access difficult.

"After extensive local input, the final outcome has a real Coochie feel to it and will serve the community well."

Resurfacing of the existing Victoria Point jetty deck will occur over the coming months, weather permitting, with no disruption to ferry services expected.

Waterway Constructions were engaged by Transport and Main Roads to complete works on both jetties.