On the Ferries

[#Metro]

Brisbane City Council has lost the plot. Completely.

Kath and Kim from Fountain Lakes would do better.

Pride comes before a fall. 

[SurfRail]

Good thing the state picks up 75% of the cost of running their bus service so they can piddle $6m away on a pointless tourist attraction on the river. 

[#Metro]

They appear to be having ' delusions of grandeur'.   

Brisbane news: Mayor Graham Quirk pledges to install fountain in Brisbane River

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/council-elections/brisbane-news-mayor-graham-quirk-pledges-to-install-fountain-in-brisbane-river/news-story/f864fef5afbd38c50cb4fa7c8ac1a8f0


Madness. Can't believe we have to put up with this for 4 more years.

[ozbob]

The  ' big ' issues ...

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane CityHopper funding claim by Premier sparks war of words

[#Metro]

The  ' big ' issues ...

Big Ego seems to be one of them... 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> North Stradbroke Island: Ferries could cruise straight from Brisbane's CBD

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/service-updates/100766

CityCat and CityFerry timetable changes

Last updated: 7.25am Monday 10 October 2016

From Monday 17 October, there'll be changes to the CityCat timetable due to construction along the Brisbane River and the implementation of 'go slow' zones.

The Bulimba-Teneriffe CityFerry timetable will also change to align with the updated CityCat timetable.

These timetable changes only affect arrival and departure times to accommodate the speed restrictions.

    CityCat timetable (PDF, 414 KB) - effective from Monday 17 October 2016
    Cross River Ferry (PDF, 532 KB) timetable - effective from Monday 17 October 2016

[ozbob]

Keep an eye out for some 20th #birthday celebrations early tomorrow morning! pic.twitter.com/Whvmh7tqoP

— Brisbane City (@brisbanecityqld) November 3, 2016

20 years for CityCats!

[ozbob]

It's the 20th Birthday of Brisbane's iconic CityCat services today. #CityCat20yrs #CityCat #Brisbane pic.twitter.com/75U32sE9pq

— Adrian Schrinner (@Schrinner) November 3, 2016

[ozbob]

A 12 #CityCat flotilla celebrates a very special birthday today! #CityCat20yrs! 🎉#brisbaneanyday pic.twitter.com/hTlL8sncKb

— Team Quirk (@Team_Quirk) November 3, 2016

[ozbob]

CityCats mark 20 years of service in Brisbane. https://t.co/xz9WiwqNed #bnetraffic #7News https://t.co/3e3f074pTn

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) November 4, 2016

[ozbob]

Check out this video of the CityCat 20th birthday flotilla! #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/A9sxMe21Vw

— Brisbane City (@brisbanecityqld) December 1, 2016

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Brisbane City Council starts next phase of construction for Kingsford Smith Drive

CITYCAT speeds have been slashed by more than half in parts of the Brisbane River as work on one of the largest river piling projects in the city's history starts.

The next phase of the construction work of the $650 million Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade is steaming ahead with 200 piles up to 32 metres in depth to be installed along the length of the road over the next 18 months.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the piles were needed to support the road widening and new river walk.

"This piling phase, which is four times larger than the New Farm Riverwalk replacement project, will make use of two, 432 square-metre barges to transport the materials for piling across the river from a fabrication site in Morningside to the Hamilton construction site," Cr Quirk said.

"Each pile will take up to three days to install, and require a total of nearly 6,000 cubic metres of concrete.

"The 83-tonne piling rig will insert a large steel tube into the riverbed, drilling out a core, which will then have a steel cage inserted and be filled with concrete.

"This bored piling method will reduce noise and vibration impacts during the construction stage for local residents."

During this project that Cr Quirk described as involving "difficult" and "delicate" work CityCat speeds will be slowed to six knots, more than half of their usual 15 knots.

"This means obviously there will be a slower CityCat journey along this part of the river during this phase," Cr Quirk said.

"It is a significant reduction in speed but it's one of the safety requirements we have through Marine Safety Queensland.

"There has been adjusted schedules but that's all been complete earlier on and are in operation right now.

Infrastructure chairwoman Amanda Cooper said the piles being bored was one of the most exciting parts of the multi-million dollar project.

"This particular project will deliver great benefits to the people of Brisbane, it will see a 30 per cent improvement in travel time it will see pedestrian and cycle facilities, both of those being off-road facilities, and it will create a fantastic new vista for residents and visitors as they come to our beautiful river city," she said.

Cr Quirk said the project is on track for a 2019 completion.

"We're making sure we get on with this important work now which is the pouring of these piles," he said.

The project will widen the road from four to six lanes between Theodore St at Eagle Farm and Breakfast Creek Rd at Albion.

For more information on the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade project visit ksdupgrade.com.au or brisbane.qld.gov.au or call the council on 3403 8888.

[red dragin]

For those that aren't aware, the law is essentially "6 knots when within 30 metres of anything".

[ozbob]

Brisbane City Hopper ferry hits pontoon at South Bank. One hurt https://t.co/SsewgIIsp2 Picture @9NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/Rifb50Vt8x

— The Courier-Mail (@couriermail) April 30, 2017

[ozbob]

City Hopper crashes in South Brisbane, damaging the vessel and injuring a passenger. @ABernhardt9 #9News pic.twitter.com/Xw6jexAiVC

— Nine News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) April 30, 2017

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Maritime Union believes 'only a matter of time' before serious Brisbane ferry crash

Unsafe vessels, fatigued staff, inadequate training and top-level resignations – the Brisbane ferry system is facing challenging times according to the Maritime Union of Australia.

The union claims members continue to report safety concerns to them that have fallen on the deaf ears of Transdev, the company that oversees the fleet.

The accusations come after a man was injured on Sunday, April 30, when a CityHopper hit the pontoon at South Bank terminal 3, leading to 30-minute delays and the following two services being cancelled.

Maritime Union spokesman Damien McGarry said members had reported that the vessel involved in the accident had experienced throttle issues earlier in the day. The boat was allegedly recommended to be taken off the water but the ferry master was told to continue operating until the end of the following day, when the vessel could be repaired.

Mr McGarry also said there was a shortage of replacement vessels for faulty ferries and there had been similar accidents that had gone unreported, where the boats involved had experienced problems that had gone unchecked or terminals that were unsafe hadn't been repaired.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," he said.

The union also said ferry employees were fatigued by "horrible rosters". Some working days lasted about 15 hours and consisted of split shifts, for example five hours working, followed by four hours break before returning to the water again.

Members also said some shifts could stretch 11 hours and only be broken up by a 30-minute meal break. If ferries were for some reason running late or were delayed at terminals while a large number of customers boarded, then that cut into the break time. Mr McGarry said some masters had resorted to speeding in certain areas to make up for lost time.

The Maritime Union also said there had been several top-level resignations recently, with the Brisbane-based senior maintenance manager leaving last week as well as the second-in-charge of maintenance and the head of finance resigning this week.

Mr McGarry added he had also received reports from members that ferry employees were also being rushed through training.

"It is a perfect storm of health and safety concerns ... it's only a matter of time before we have a major issue on the river," he said.

"We're just relieved that (April 30's incident) wasn't serious and no one was injured ... our concerns are that the next time will be more serious and we believe there will be a next time."

In response to the accusations, Transdev said the current rostering system had been checked for adequate fatigue management and was created in accordance with an agreement endorsed by both the Maritime Union of Australia and Australian Maritime Officers Union.

In the statement, the company also said new deckhands and masters undertook a comprehensive training and evaluation program before being cleared for duty and the management structure had not changed following recent resignations, with the positions being filled.

Transdev added Brisbane Ferries would continue to operate with uncompromising standards of safety in line with the National Standard for Commercial Vessels.

All incidents on the water would be thoroughly investigated and Transdev would fully cooperate with any investigation launched by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority or Maritime Safety Queensland.

[BrizCommuter]

One person operated ferries are an accident waiting to happen.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane ferries safety fears raised after recent South Bank accident

A BRISBANE ferry known for having throttle issues clipped a pontoon at South Bank and injured a passenger just hours after management allegedly ignored staff warnings the vessel was unfit for service.

The Courier-Mail understands the two most senior maintenance staff at operator Transdev Brisbane Ferries have resigned in the past month amid serious claims of unsafe practices and skippers being made to work fatigue-inducing 13-hour shifts.

Employees have also accused management of risking safety by rushing new staff through an incomplete and patchy training regimen.

Maritime Union Australia Queensland branch manager Damien McGarry said a litany of issues made it a disaster waiting to happen.

"We are supposed to be the best people on the water, so it's unfortunate we are bound to Transdev cutting corners on maintenance and safety," he said.

"The fatigue in the rosters is a concern too. We don't want to see anything happen to our members, but of course we also have the public's safety in mind."

Minutes from an August 2016 Transdev Brisbane Ferries staff meeting, obtained by The Courier-Mail, reveal concerns were raised internally.

"Due to a few incidents lately, she (employee) thinks staff are being pushed through too quickly," the document read.

"Some of the new staff have been getting shifts before completing training."

Mr McGarry said shoddy training had caused a lot of damage to an already under-maintained fleet.

Transdev employees said skippers and deckhands were forced to work from 4.30am to 7pm, with a four-hour break. In one case, a skipper worked a 13-hour shift with a 20-minute meal break.

Transdev Brisbane Ferries said it abided by national safety standards and there were thorough investigation protocols for marine incidents.

"Transdev are confident that the standards of professionalism, training and overall delivery provide best practice," a spokesman said.

Brisbane City Council, which contracts Transdev, said it expected operations to meet all safety requirements and Fair Work laws.

Transdev's CityCats, CityFerrys and CityHoppers carry five million people a year.

One man suffered a bump to his head after the South Bank incident on April 30.

[BrizCommuter]

Couriermail --> Brisbane ferries safety fears raised after recent South Bank accident

A BRISBANE ferry known for having throttle issues clipped a pontoon at South Bank and injured a passenger just hours after management allegedly ignored staff warnings the vessel was unfit for service.

The Courier-Mail understands the two most senior maintenance staff at operator Transdev Brisbane Ferries have resigned in the past month amid serious claims of unsafe practices and skippers being made to work fatigue-inducing 13-hour shifts.

Employees have also accused management of risking safety by rushing new staff through an incomplete and patchy training regimen.

Maritime Union Australia Queensland branch manager Damien McGarry said a litany of issues made it a disaster waiting to happen.

"We are supposed to be the best people on the water, so it's unfortunate we are bound to Transdev cutting corners on maintenance and safety," he said.

"The fatigue in the rosters is a concern too. We don't want to see anything happen to our members, but of course we also have the public's safety in mind."

Minutes from an August 2016 Transdev Brisbane Ferries staff meeting, obtained by The Courier-Mail, reveal concerns were raised internally.

"Due to a few incidents lately, she (employee) thinks staff are being pushed through too quickly," the document read.

"Some of the new staff have been getting shifts before completing training."

Mr McGarry said shoddy training had caused a lot of damage to an already under-maintained fleet.

Transdev employees said skippers and deckhands were forced to work from 4.30am to 7pm, with a four-hour break. In one case, a skipper worked a 13-hour shift with a 20-minute meal break.

Transdev Brisbane Ferries said it abided by national safety standards and there were thorough investigation protocols for marine incidents.

"Transdev are confident that the standards of professionalism, training and overall delivery provide best practice," a spokesman said.

Brisbane City Council, which contracts Transdev, said it expected operations to meet all safety requirements and Fair Work laws.

Transdev's CityCats, CityFerrys and CityHoppers carry five million people a year.

One man suffered a bump to his head after the South Bank incident on April 30.

... and that's what happens when you privatise stuff @Metro.

[#Metro]

... and that's what happens when you privatise stuff @Metro.

If Brisbane City Council believes the ferry operator is not up to standard - fire them.

If only the same could be said for QR.

[SurfRail]

... and that's what happens when you privatise stuff @Metro.

If Brisbane City Council believes the ferry operator is not up to standard - fire them.

If only the same could be said for QR.

That depends very much on the terms of the contract, doesn't it?

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> CBD to Moreton Bay islands service part of $45m Brisbane River plan

TOURISM and recreational opportunities are set to flow thanks to a $43 million cash splash by Brisbane City Council to increase usage of the Brisbane River.

One is the prospect of direct trips from Brisbane CBD to Moreton Bay and its many islands.

Five new public mooring and dock facilities will be built at key points along inner-city reaches of the river for use by tour providers, private boats and commercial operators.

New facilities in suburban reaches, including a previously unannounced river recreation hub at Dutton Park, will provide easier access to the water.

The investment, over four years, includes $8 million in new funds and will be a flagship item in the council's $3 billion 2017-18 budget, to be released on Wednesday.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the funding would increase opportunities for recreational and tourism operations on the river.

"The Brisbane River is the gateway to Moreton Bay and the islands, and with a network of docking points in the city, tourism operators will be able to offer new express services to North Stradbroke Island, South Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island," he said.

"To add to this, visitors and residents alike will be able to take advantage of hop-on, hop-off river tours, and on-demand private water taxi services, which are currently unviable in Brisbane due to a lack of short-term mooring locations, particularly in the city."

Cr Quirk said the five new public moorings – at the Edward St end of the city's Botanic Gardens, New Farm Park, West End and at two locations at South Bank – would only be the beginning of the network.

He said the new river recreation hub at Dutton Park will provide an access point for non-powered watercraft in a calm and under-utilised part of the river.

The council has already budgeted $24.8 million over four years to upgrade existing river walk structures and $10 million is being spent on other river infrastructure promised at the election including a previously announced pontoon at West End and a public marina at South Bank.

Cr Quirk said the public facilities would complement existing and planned river access areas being developed by the private sector.

"Already Destination Brisbane (Queen's Wharf) and Howard Smith Wharves have indicated intentions to add to Council's river access network with public mooring facilities and we expect more to follow," he said.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Upgrade to South Bank ferry terminal put on hold as feud continues

An ongoing feud has delayed the crucial upgrade of one of Brisbane's busiest ferry terminals.

In June 2016 Brisbane City Council listed the South Bank 1 and 2 ferry terminal as one of four terminals to be upgraded over the next four years.

The upgrades must be completed by 2022 and will ensure the terminals are wheelchair and pram accessible.

The council's transport boss, Adrian Schrinner, said 17 of the 26 ferry terminals had been upgraded since 2015 but nine, including South Bank, were yet to go ahead.

"In May 2016, council commissioned concept designs for the South Bank terminal replacement and in September these designs were presented to the South Bank Corporation and other stakeholders," he said.

"Council's designs minimise the height and bulk of the terminal, reducing the obstruction to views of the river from the South Bank Parklands.

"The South Bank Corporation does not support the designs and has indicated that instead it prefers a larger terminal design, which would have a greater impact to views of the river."

A South Bank Corporation planning and projects spokeswoman said they would like a similar design to be used for the South Bank terminals as the other inner-city terminals.

"What was proposed by council was different to all the other terminals and South Bank Corporation believes there can be a better design solution," the spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman said the council had consulted with them and taken their views on board.

"Council is not going ahead with its original design and the project is progressing, with both the council and the corporation working together," she said.

Cr Schrinner said the project was on hold and the council had brought forward accessibility upgrades at other terminals to allow for talks with South Bank to continue.

The New Farm ferry terminal upgrade has been brought forward and will be completed this financial year.

There was 11.9 million in the 2017-18 Brisbane City Council budget for ferry terminal upgrades.

The forward estimates allocated more than $13 million in both 2018-19 and 2019-20 and $14 million in 2020-21.

The 2017-18 budget also included $1.5 million for a new CityCat and $1.8 million to relife the generation 1 CityCats.

[verbatim9]

^^Always wondered why SouthBank hadn't been upgraded

[aldonius]

Sure hope they can find the budget to upgrade Eagle St! One for upstream, one for downstream wouldn't go astray.

Though really, they ought to fix the timetabling first. CityHopper downstream pulled in literally a minute before the relevant cross river.

[verbatim9]

Notice on the Ferries last week that they have Automatic next stop audio announcements as well as next stop displays onboard.

[Arnz]

Notice on the Ferries last week that they have Automatic next stop audio announcements as well as next stop displays onboard.

They had the automatic next stop announcements for the past year now.  The PIDs however were a recent addition. AFAIK they're progressively fitting it through the ferry fleet.

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/notes/brisbane-city-council/additional-citycat-services-on-tuesday-and-wednesday-morning/1629952643712859/

Additional CityCat services on Tuesday and Wednesday morning

Brisbane City Council·Monday, 17 July 2017

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has advised that Brisbane City Council bus drivers will be participating in industrial action on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July from 4.30am to 6.30am.

To assist commuters during this time, Council is operating additional CityCat services during the peak morning period. 
Other CityCat and ferry services will operate as normal.

Additional CityCat services heading upstream:

    Departing      Northshore Hamilton at 5.34am and 6.04am (all stops service)
    Departing      Teneriffe at 5.45am, 7.35am and 8.05am (limited stops)
    Departing      Bulimba at 6.40am (limited stops)

Additional CityCat services heading downstream:

    Departing      UQ St Lucia at 6.04am (all stops service)

For more information visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/888814733842829312

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/135821

SMBI ferry and route 250 - timetable changes

From Monday 31 July, changes will be made to SMBI ferry timetable and one route 250 service.

These changes will improve travel between Redland Bay Marina and the islands, provide more suitable services with less waiting for school students and make travelling between the islands easier throughout the day.

Timetable changes

SMBI ferry - from Redland Bay Marina

The below weekday services will change:

    The 5.35am service will depart Redland Bay Marina at 5.40am.
    The 1.35pm service will depart Redland Bay Marina at 1.30pm.
    The 2.40pm primary school service will travel to Macleay Island, Russell Island, then all islands to Redland Bay Marina.
    The 3.45pm high school service will depart Redland Bay Marina at 3.50pm.
    The 4.45pm service will terminate at Russell Island.
    The 4.50pm service will change direction to travel all islands via Russell Island.
    The 8.10pm service will arrive at Russell Island at 8.35pm then travel all islands to Redland Bay Marina.

The below weekend service will change:

    The 6.55am service will depart Redland Bay Marina at 7.00am and change direction to travel all islands via Russell Island.

SMBI ferry - from Russell Island

The below services departing Russell Island will change:

    The 2.05pm weekday service will depart at 2.00pm and change direction to travel all islands to Redland Bay Marina.
    The 2.00pm weekend service will change direction to travel all islands to Redland Bay Marina.

Route 250 - from Redland Bay Marina

The below Brisbane City service will change to maintain bus and ferry connections:

    The 9.01pm weekday service will depart Redland Bay Marina at 9.12pm.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TrubbellAtMill/status/891161762447228928

I checked with BCC as to the capacity of a CityHopper ferry and they said 79.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/902211104775876608

" ... A new ferry service will be trialled from late next month from the Redcliffe Jetty to Bulwer.

The previous barge from Scarborough to Bulwer, the Combie Trader II, ceased operation in 2008, much to the disappointment of locals, both on the Redcliffe Peninsula and on Moreton Island — and to the detriment to both local economies.

The community, and one Redcliffe businessman in particular, campaigned for a barge service to be reinstated, but it hit hurdle after hurdle, mainly due to there no longer being a landing site for a barge at Scarborough — where the Combie Trader II used to land. ... "

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/902570246401269760

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Ferry from Redcliffe to Moreton Island announces new Friday service and discounts for locals

DISCOUNTS will be given to local residents to access the new ferry between Redcliffe and Moreton Island, and a day added to the timetable.

Less than two weeks out from the first service, on Sunday, September 24, Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism chief executive Shane Newcombe said the group – which receives funding from Moreton Bay Regional Council to promote tourism and business in the region – had met with the operators of Redcliffe2Moreton Express to discuss options to entice locals aboard.

Originally planned only for a Sunday service leaving the Redcliffe Jetty at 10am and departing Bulwer at 4pm – the service will now also run on Fridays, allowing people to spend the weekend on Moreton Island.

The Friday service, at the same times, will start on the second weekend of October.

Redcliffe2Moreton Express owner and operator Lisa Edwards said the cost reduction for locals, and the additional service, were due to the demand.

"When we launched this service a couple of weeks ago, we weren't sure how the demand was going to go, especially with locals," she said.

"However, following the overwhelming support and demand from the local residents to use this service, we went back to the drawing board and because of the expected increase in passengers and the additional Friday service, we've been able to offer an allocation of tickets for each service, at a special price just for Moreton Bay Region locals."

The allocated discounted seats cost $25 one way for adults, $15 for children and $65 each way for families.

Local residents include anyone living in Moreton Bay region and postcodes 4017 and 4018.

To receive the local resident discount, bookings must be made through Redcliffe Cruise &

Travel, along with proof of local residency.

"At the time of booking, you will be asked to provide proof of your residency such as official

photo identification, council issued rate notice or current utility bill stating your address," Ms Edwards said.

The local discount will not be available online.

To book a trip on Redcliffe2Moreton Express, you can book online, visit Redcliffe Cruise & Travel at 93 Redcliffe Pde, Redcliffe or phone 3284 5192.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/916860085845893121

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Team_Quirk/status/917266339315593216

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/917295547723137024

Couriermail Quest --> New Farm Park Ferry Terminal to close for $10 million upgrade

A POPULAR ferry terminal could close for up to five months for an upgrade that will double its capacity and bring it up to disability access standards.

New Farm Park Ferry Terminal is out to tender for an upgrade budgeted at $8-10 million and Brisbane City Council will soon choose between two short-listed candidates.

The design, unveiled today by Public and Active Transport chairman Adrian Schrinner, has a similar style to Bulimba and Brett's Wharf terminals and will allow two vessels to dock at once.

"This is ... a unique terminal, there are actually not too many cities around the world that have a river like the Brisbane River that floods and a CityCat service on that river," he said.

Councillor Schrinner said there was no disability access at low tide.

He said the upgrade would make the terminal accessible at all times and give it a "one in 500 year" flood resilience.

He said construction could take up to five months.

"There will be a closure period that will be essential to actually do the upgrade, but that will be minimised and also scheduled around the Commonwealth Games," he said.

"We didn't want construction to be underway while there's a lot of international visitors at this park."

The two closest terminals are at Sydney St, a 15 minute walk from New Farm Park, or Teneriffe, a 30 minute walk, and the Cross River Ferry will dock at Sydney St during construction.

Cr Schrinner said the terminal was last upgraded in 2002 to allow CityCats to dock there and was now one of the most popular outside of the CBD, used by 200,000 per year.

"It's part of this whole New Farm hub, the Powerhouse, the park, it's a really popular part of the city," he said.

Cr Vicki Howard (Central) the upgrade was "a wonderful thing" for her residents, including many commuters.

The upgrade is part of a $52 million program to upgrade terminals along the Brisbane River.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/917430845740269568

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/965857012792770561