On the Ferries

[HappyTrainGuy]

So if Southbank 1&2 are to be used for CityHopper services, what is the future for Southbank 3? Surely services won't use both!

Next to the Ferris wheel? Charter boat services and QPS use it.

[achiruel]

So if Southbank 1&2 are to be used for CityHopper services, what is the future for Southbank 3? Surely services won't use both!

Next to the Ferris wheel? Charter boat services and QPS use it.

No, Southbank 3 is further east near the Goodwill Bridge.

I don't mind if they close it but it seems they have just spend some money on maintaining it according to the above-linked article, and it makes you wonder why they'd bother if it's about to be closed.

[JustSomeTrainGuy]

So if Southbank 1&2 are to be used for CityHopper services, what is the future for Southbank 3? Surely services won't use both!

Next to the Ferris wheel? Charter boat services and QPS use it.

South Bank 3 is the recently upgraded one down towards Goodwill Bridge

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> SeaLink to bid for Brisbane's City Cat contract

THE new transport giant created by SeaLink's $635 million acquisition of Brisbane-based Transit Systems Group says it will launch a bid to operate the city's ferry network.

Ferry and cruise operator Sealink will buy Transit Systems, Australia's largest private operator of metropolitan public bus services, amid increasing consolidation in the transport sector.

Transit Systems chief executive Clint Feuerherdt, who will replace SeaLink's departing chief executive Jeff Ellison as head of the combined company, said a tender was being prepared for the City Cat and City Hopper ferry service currently operated by Paris-based Transdev.

Transdev has operated the ferries under an agreement with the Brisbane City Council since 2010, with the contract due to expire in November next year.

Mr Feuerherdt (pictured) said the combined company had expertise in running ferry operations around Australia including to Kangaroo Island, Rottnest Island, Fraser Island, Tiwi Islands, and Bruny Island. Mr Feuerherdt said the company also was bidding for a contract to operate a ferry service on the Thames in the UK.

"We see particular opportunities for the company in ­integrated multi-modal transport contracts including the City Cat tender which is currently out to the market," said Mr Feuerherdt.

Transit Systems was founded in 1995 by Brisbane-based businessmen Graham Leishman, Neil Smith and Lance Francis. Mr Leishman and his partners had earlier been involved in running Bayside Buslines in Redland Bay. Transit Systems initially tendered for a contract to run public buses in Perth. In 2013, it expanded into London and Singapore and now operates more than 3000 buses worldwide with revenue of almost $900 million.

Under the terms of the SeaLink acquisition, Mr Leishman, Mr Smith and Mr Francis will hold about 30 per cent of the combined company.

Mr Leishman will hold 10.9 per cent of SeaLink, Mr Smith 15.3 per cent and Mr Francis 4.2 per cent.

[Cazza]

https://www.facebook.com/pg/abcinbrisbane/posts/?ref=page_internal







As long as he touched on and off, I don't see any issues...

[ozbob]

^ probably got a Seniors go card, that is a big old carpet snake .. 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Council plans Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal

A new CityCat ferry terminal for Brisbane's popular riverside entertainment precinct Howard Smith Wharves is closer to construction as council looks to approve a procurement plan.

At Tuesday's council meeting, the first after the spring recess, Brisbane City Council will consider approving a procurement plan to begin construction on a ferry terminal at the wharves.

The council's budget for this year put aside money for the planned ferry terminal, which will be co-funded by the Howard Smith Wharves Consortium.

Early planning for the terminal indicated it would be constructed near the Rivershed building, at the New Farm end of the precinct.

The council will propose putting a tender out for the construction of both the Wharves ferry terminal and upgrades to the South Brisbane terminal, in a bid to attract larger suppliers.

Consultant company GHD was engaged by council to design the two terminals, with the council releasing the planned design for South Bank terminal in September.

The council expects to begin construction on the Howard Smith Wharves terminal in mid 2020, and in the procurement plan will put in preferences to support local procurement.

"The Brisbane marine industry is relatively small, and large infrastructure projects such as the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, Queen's Wharf Brisbane and Neville Bonner Bridge may tighten the market," the council documents state.

Tenderers may submit proposals to construct one or both of the planned ferry terminals, with the procurement tender opening to the market in January.

The council expects the contract will begin in June next year.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/team_schrinner/status/1186510488714104833

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane's first double-decker CityCat hits the water

Brisbane's first double-decker CityCat is ready to join the city's river fleet and will be pressed into service from November.

The 43-tonne boat was lifted from the warehouse in Murarrie where it was constructed and placed in the water on Tuesday morning, the first of seven double-decker ferries planned by Brisbane City Council.

Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said the first of the double-decker CityCats had been constructed entirely in Murarrie by local company Aus Ships.

The cost of one boat was $3.7 million.

"This new vessel is for the residents and visitors to our river city, so having it built by a local company along the banks of the Brisbane River made perfect sense," Cr Schrinner said.

"This vessel is truly Brisbane, with everything from the design to the construction done right here in Brisbane by our highly skilled local residents."

Cr Schrinner allocated $30 million over the next four years to construct seven double-decker CityCats to boost the city's ageing fleet and replace the Generation Two CityCats.

Brisbane has 21 CityCats: eight were built under former lord mayor Jim Soorley between 1996 and 1998, six between 2004 and 2009 and seven between 2010 and 2015.

The new double-decker vessel is the same length as the previous vessels - 27.2 metres - with a stairway at the rear to allow passengers to go to an upstairs deck, where there are 16 seats.

The ground-floor layout has been modified to include six wheelchair spaces including two spaces with outside access.

The view from downstairs will not be interrupted by the skipper's wheelhouse, which sits on the top level.

The double-decker ferry will allow passengers to travel on both decks when it launches for public service in November after several weeks of staff training and trials.


The double-decker CityCat, constructed at a cost of $3.7 million, hit the water on Tuesday morning.

[red dragin]

So they've slapped 16 seats on the roof of the existing design essentially. Hardly a big deal.

Is there an election due soon....

[#Metro]

^ It's ok. The single deck works fine.

Good for a small cocktail party though. 🍸

BCC should do this. Make it exclusive after 7 pm.

Charge. Just like the MEL restaurant tram.

#Cocktail deck

[Otto]

Charge. Just like the MEL restaurant tram.

#Cocktail deck

Off topic, This week marks a year since the iconic Tramcar Restaurants have rumbled their way along Melbourne streets.

[#Metro]

Off topic, This week marks a year since the iconic Tramcar Restaurants have rumbled their way along Melbourne streets.

They need a champagne bottle to break across the bow before the service starts, don't they?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/10NewsFirstQLD/status/1186553139194978305

[achiruel]

^ It's ok. The single deck works fine.

Good for a small cocktail party though. 🍸

BCC should do this. Make it exclusive after 7 pm.

Charge. Just like the MEL restaurant tram.

#Cocktail deck

Are you a seer lol?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1194429437678247936

[verbatim9]

Next year four jet boats will transport tourists from South Bank, directly to the islands of Moreton Bay. Today 7NEWS got an exclusive look at the vessels that'll take them there. https://t.co/VZ3A1cpmr5 @ijmullen #7NEWS https://t.co/My4hdrHgy4


https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1194548677399863296

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/team_schrinner/status/1199093776058175488

[verbatim9]

Source: Skyscrapercity

New CityCat out on the river

[ozbob]

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/citycat-and-ferry-services/citycat-22

The new CityCat 22 vessel includes:

the ability to carry a total of 170 passengers:

an upper deck, providing seating for 20 passengers.

The upper deck will be accessible via rear stairs

rear deck seating for 16 passengers and space for up to 10 bikes

an open front deck with a clear viewing pane below the handrail

up to 6 dedicated wheelchair and mobility scooter areas will be available, subject to final design

lower windows in sections of the main cabin, allowing passengers in mobility devices and children to enjoy the view

table and lounge seating options including USB device charging ports

free Wi-Fi

hearing augmentation loops.


The new CityCat will operate under the existing contract with Transdev Brisbane Ferries.

CityCat 22 launch timetable

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/20191125-citycat-22-launch-timetable.pdf PDF 0.7 MB

[achiruel]

Does anyone know if there are more CityCats of this design planned, or is it a one-off?

Edit:
Oops, I just found the answer to my own question:
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/citycat-and-ferry-services/citycat-22

This is all part of our plan to deliver a modern public transport network with a further six NextGen double-decker CityCats joining the fleet over the next four years.

I wonder if this means a significant increase in frequency, or if some of the older vessels are due for retirement?

[ozbob]

My understanding is they are essentially replacements for the older CityCats, not additions.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1199493037883158528

" Great visibility for everyone "  that is until they block the windows with ad-wrap .... 

[Otto]

Greater [bdisability[/b], bike and pram access are just some of the new perks.

Never knew disability access was a 'perk'.
Am I viewing this too seriously ?

[achiruel]

^ Did you really expect quality journalism from Channel 7?

[James]

Interesting that they'd release a timetable showing the movements for CityCat #22 for the next month.

On another note, looks like they've quietly dropped the re-opening date for Guyatt Park Ferry Terminal in the CC22 timetable - 7th of December.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> SpeedyCat services added, but won't service one stop

BRISBANE'S SpeedyCat timetable will be given a revamp to meet the demands of busy terminals along the river.

Brisbane City Council will today announce new express services that will travel to and from the popular Hawthorne terminal.

There will be four upstream SpeedyCat services from Hawthorne every morning, as well as three return downstream services in the afternoon — including two that will run express from Riverside.

The changes will mean the SpeedyCat will no longer service the Apollo Rd terminal at Bulimba.

Council public and active transport committee chairwoman Krista Adams said more than 35,000 trips had been taken on SpeedyCats since the services were launched in September last year.

She said the new timetable would commence next Monday, to coincide with the opening of the upgraded Guyatt Park terminal at St Lucia.

"Upgrades to the terminal include the construction of a new full shaded waiting area, a new flood-resilient pontoon which can accommodate two vessels and improved lighting and safety features," she said.

"These upgrades will make the terminal safer and easier to use for all passengers, including easily accessible timetables and help points with braille, along with upgraded lighting."

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Council cuts CityCat ties with 100-year-old Brisbane boat supplier

Brisbane City Council has chosen not to recontract with a more than 100-year-old family company that has built the council's previous two generations of CityCats.

At Tuesday's chamber meeting, the council approved a long-term contract with Murarrie-based company Aus Ships to build the next double-decker CityCats at a nearly $4 million price tag per ferry.

Aus Ships, who delivered the first double-decker at a $3.7 million cost, won the two-year tender and the option to become the council's preferred supplier, meaning the council does not have to go back to tender for future CityCats.

Aus Ships, founded in 2011, pipped previous CityCat construction company Norman R. Wright and Sons, who had built the council's second and third generation ferries still in operation today.

Norman R. Wright and Sons, also based in Murarrie, is one of council's oldest suppliers, first building a boat for the council in 1914.

In June, lord mayor Adrian Schrinner announced a budget of $30 million over four years for six additional new double-decker ferries to replace the ageing fleet.

The first of the seven double-decker ferries, with a capacity of 170 passengers and built by Aus Ships was launched this month.

The 43-tonne, 27.2-metre boat was described by Cr Schrinner as a "state of the art" ferry, named Yoogera, had been constructed to carry 170 passengers.

Council has since ordered the second double-decker at a total cost of $3,975,000 from Aus Ships, with construction expected to begin next year.

Public and active transport committee chairwoman Krista Adams said the increase in cost for CityCat 23 was due to CPI.

"The contract for the CityCat Fleet replacement was awarded to the tenderer who offered the best outcome for Brisbane ratepayers, which was Murarrie based company Aus Ships," she said.

Contract documents submitted to the council at Tuesday's meeting, the last meeting of the year, showed Aus Ships achieved the highest value for money score of 25.7, above the Norman R. Wright and Sons score of 22.9.

Norman R. Wright and Sons had contracted with the council since 2003 to deliver the second and third generation CityCats currently operating across the city, building 13 ferries.

The bid submitted by Aus Shops for the replacement was for $3.73 million, while Norman R. Wright and Sons' unsuccessful bid was for $3.74 million.

The tender had an option to extend the original two-year contract for a maximum term of 10 years, with $60 million budgeted over the maximum 10-year term.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Faster ferry services for busy inner city terminal

Hawthorne residents in Brisbane's inner east have been given faster CityCat services at the expense of their downstream neighbours.

Brisbane City Council has revamped its SpeedyCat timetable to allocate seven new services from Hawthorne terminal to give commuters a 15-minute trip into the city, starting Monday.

The new services come at a cost for Apollo Road terminal commuters in Bulimba.

Public and active transport committee chairwoman Krista Adams said council had been monitoring the SpeedyCat fast ferry patronage since their introduction last year.

"To deliver additional capacity to the popular Hawthorne ferry terminal, seven SpeedyCat services will start servicing this terminal from Monday, 9 December, allowing for 15-minute trips to the city," she said.

"To allow for this change the SpeedyCat will no longer service Apollo Road, but customers will still be able to choose from three AM express services as well as other 'all stops' services."

But local Labor councillor Kara Cook (Morningside) criticised the move as "robbing Peter to pay Paul".

"We know that there will be thousands of new residents in the Bulimba Barracks, right on top of the Apollo Rd terminal," Cr Cook said.

"We need to future plan for growth in our community.

"I have been fighting for more express services, especially from Hawthorne, and Bulimba – which has yet again been forgotten."

Cr Adams also announced the opening of the upgraded Guyatt Park terminal in St Lucia on Monday.

"This terminal is used by 180,000 people each year and the upgrade will ensure the terminal will cater for current and future demands," she said.

"Upgrades to the terminal include the construction of a new full-shaded waiting area, a new flood-resilient pontoon which can accommodate two vessels and improved lighting and safety features."

[AnonymouslyBad]

^ Anyone else think the concept of SpeedyCats is a bit weird, and kind of wasteful? That capacity would be better used boosting frequency of regular CityCats.

It's the Brisbane river. People are taking the ferry as a "nicer" option; nothing can be done to make the ferry a fast or efficient method of daily commuter travel.

Unless you deliberately hobble all the bus services. Oh wait - this is BCC. Carry on.

[#Metro]

Yes. It's the ferry version of "i want express to my stationitis."

[James]

^ Anyone else think the concept of SpeedyCats is a bit weird, and kind of wasteful? That capacity would be better used boosting frequency of regular CityCats.

It's the Brisbane river. People are taking the ferry as a "nicer" option; nothing can be done to make the ferry a fast or efficient method of daily commuter travel.

Unless you deliberately hobble all the bus services. Oh wait - this is BCC. Carry on.

I would agree with you in parts. The SpeedyCats from North Quay to UQ - both AM and PM peak - are daft, and reduce the frequency of the West End -> UQ connection, which is a pretty critical one. However, from Hawthorne, having an all-stopping CityCat requires stops at Sydney Street, Mobray Park & New Farm Park, all of which have high frequency buses nearby in peak (196, 199, Wynnum Road buses), while Hawthorne is in a bit of a PT black hole with only the 232.

Ferries take a while to stop as they have to moor at each stop, it's not like a bus where the bus stops, the doors open for a few seconds and off you go.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Construction timeline for Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal

Construction on the planned Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal on the Brisbane River will start in late 2020.

Deputy mayor Krista Adams said Brisbane City Council had worked with the Howard Smith Wharves Consortium to find the right location for the new ferry terminal.

The terminal will be placed upstream of Felons, at the concrete steps and river shed buildings that have been converted into an entertainment and dining precinct.

The council expects the new ferry terminal will cater for CityFerry services in the short-term with CityCats in the future.

"We have committed more than $70 million over four years to upgrade our world-class ferry terminals, with this new terminal to be funded by council, with a contribution from Howard Smith Wharves," Cr Adams said.

Cr Adams said the new terminal would be similar to recently upgraded terminals along the river, and was selected to be a good location for pedestrian and river traffic between the city and New Farm.

The council has begun development work for the terminal including geotechnical investigations; the construction tender will be awarded as a single package to also construct the new South Bank ferry terminal.

Plans for the South Bank ferry terminal were released earlier this year, designed to be a larger terminal with greater access for multiple ferries.

The council recently announced it would go ahead with the procurement of a second double-decker CityCat ferry at a cost of nearly $4 million.

[BrizCommuter]

Observations at South Bank yesterday (Saturday) was three consecutive CityHopper ferries leaving behind more than 30 passengers  each at South Bank 3 in the 3:30pm-5pm period. Ouch!

[verbatim9]

New Ferry Terminal at Guyatt Park with a view back to Toowong and Mt Cootha.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Upgrades to come to SMBI ferry terminals

Urgently needed upgrades could be on their way to the ferry terminals that provide a vital link for residents on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

'DESPERATELY needed' upgrades to Redland City's island ferry terminals could be soon be a reality following a promising new deal.

Redland City Council announced that it has agreed to a deal that will pave the way for the upgrade of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals which form the lifeline for so many island residents.

Thinking about subscribing? Now's the time. Full Digital Access: 50% off for the first 12 weeks (conditions apply)

Mayor Karen Williams said the council decided it would sign a funding agreement for the upgrades after extensive negotiations with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and island residents.

"We are now hopeful that the department swiftly does likewise so we can get these desperately needed projects under way," Cr Williams said.

"Council has worked hard and in good faith with the department and the island communities to ensure this project aligns with community expectations and includes commercial and development opportunities.

"It's an exciting project with huge benefits for Redlands Coast so, having taking it to the stage where it is ready to be signed off, we are keen for that to happen without delay – especially as funding is available through the Passenger Transport Infrastructure Investment Program (PTIIP)."

Councillor Mark Edwards (Division 5) thanked the community for input over the years which had informed the terminals' detailed designs.

The project would include upgrading or replacing the terminals - including jetties, gangways and pontoons - on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands over four years.

The plans would also include repurposing existing ferry pontoons for recreational uses such as fishing and mooring.

"Thank you especially to everyone who submitted their feedback during the concept design and preliminary design phases," Cr Edwards said.

"I'm looking forward to construction starting as soon as possible on the Russell Island ferry terminal, which will be the first to undergo an upgrade.

"The SMBI community has waited a long time to see the terminals receive the significant upgrades that they and Council have fought for and which are not just a daily necessity for island residents but vital to Redlands Coast economic future."

For more information and project visit the project's page at https://yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au.

[verbatim9]

Fast Ferry to the Bay---->https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSBrisbane/videos/488572528481996/

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Feedback on new Howard Smith Wharves ferry stop closes tomorrow

OPINIONS are divided on whether one of Brisbane's hottest riverfront precincts should receive a dedicated ferry stop.

Public consultation on the new ferry stop at Howard Smith Wharves closes tomorrow night as Brisbane City Council gears up to start construction later this year.

The new stop will be located in front of the popular riverbank steps, between Howard's Hall and the Rivershed.

"The site has been identified as a prime opportunity for a new ferry terminal, considering its river's edge location, public parkland, hotel, dining and bars," council's application said.

The application also highlighted the proximity of the City Reach Boardwalk and New Farm Riverwalk.

But submissions in response to council's plans have so far been mixed.

"The attached architectural rendering for the new ferry terminal shows that it will completely block the new public river terrace viewing stairs," one submission said.

"It would be a shame to now block one of the only (always open) public river viewing areas with a ferry terminal."

Another slammed the decision to build a new ferry stop as "the most ridiculous allocation of funds in council's history."

"There is no need for another stop in between," it continued, pointing out an extra stop would lengthen journey times for other ferry users.

"Destroying that view of the city with a waste of time ferry stop is just preposterous."

But one submission praised the provision of more public transport access in the area.

"Not only will it bring more people to The Howard Smith Wharves, it will also enable local residents to easily use the ferry system," one resident said.

"This will lessen the number of cars on the road and also the parking around Sydney Street."

Despite criticism of the location, council's development application stated that the new stop would be "sympathetic to the surrounding development."

"The HSW Ferry Terminal will be funded by Council including a contribution from the HSW Consortium."

A Brisbane City Council spokesman said the location of the river's 26th ferry terminal was chosen after consultation with Howard Smith Wharves, and would benefit visitors and local residents.

"Public notification commenced on March 30 and is open until tomorrow," the spokesman said. "All residents are encouraged to have their say on the proposal."

The spokesman maintained sightlines would be preserved as part of the new terminal.

[Cazza]

As long as the wharf itself isn't front and centre and doesn't take away from the vista of the bridge and city, then I don't see the issue of it going in. For those complaining about journey times increasing, the ferries travel at a limited speed along this stretch of the river anyway (due to the control of whitewash for the mangroves I believe) so it would (at best) only be adding a minute or two to the travel times. I can already think of a handful of other wharves that could be removed to reduce travel times, particularly when they get around to building some of these greens bridges.

[verbatim9]

I was a bit aprehensive as well at the beginning, because it was so close to the Riverside stop. Apparently the Riverside stop will be moved closer to the Botanical Gardens near the landing point of the new Green Bridge. If this is the case the stops will then be evenly distanced. The Riverside stop is meant to be moved in conjunction with the City reach project.