Launch of ferry service across Swan River

24/2/94

Up to 500 people daily are expected to use Perth's newest ferry service across the Swan River.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today launched the privately operated service with University of Western Australia Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fay Gale, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nedlands jetty.

Although essentially aimed at assisting UWA staff and students who commute daily between home and the Nedlands campus, the ferry will be available to the general public.

The service, which will run 22 trips a day between the Applecross jetty at the foot of Ardross Street and the Nedlands jetty from the end of Broadway, is operated by Mr Les Hoffman of Bayside Nominees Pty Ltd.

"The ferry service was arranged by UWA in response to mounting traffic congestion and parking problems in and around the Nedlands campus," Mr Charlton said.

"It is this kind of innovation in the area of public transport that the Government is keen to foster where appropriate.

"The service deserves success and I hope the public will fully utilise it."

UWA will subsidise the cost of the service to university staff and students.  Fares are $1.50 and 80 cents respectively.

The 15 to 20-minute trip across the river will cost other tertiary students $1.50.  Public fares have been set at $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for secondary students, pensioners and concession holders and $1 for children aged between four and 12.

The manager of Campus Services, UWA, Mr John Burrows, said the ferry operation had the full support and co-operation of the Nedlands and Subiaco City Councils, which had been seeking solutions to the parking problems in streets near the university.

The Melville City Council had also co-operated.

"About 4,000 UWA staff and students live south of the river between Rossmoyne and Fremantle," Mr Burrows said.

"Market research has shown considerable enthusiasm for a ferry service, with indications that up to 500 people would prefer to travel daily by ferry instead of driving."

The ferry vessel, the MV Duchess II, could carry up to 100 people and will operate weekdays between 8 am and 6.30 pm.

Mr Charlton said the ferry operations, and a newly-introduced city-to-campus bus shuttle service in arrangement with Transperth, represented a total investment by UWA of about $130,000.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333 or 222 9595