The Manly Fast Ferry service will operate for another 15 years as part of a new deal signed by the NSW Government and the NRMA which will see the 20-minute trip from Manly to Circular Quay keep cruising into the next decade.
The new contract will deliver more peak services and a new environmentally friendly fleet with a hybrid-hydrogen ferry in service in the coming years and explore options for future electric ferries.
Commuters will also enjoy the convenience of paying for trips using an Opal card with Opal gates to be installed for Manly Fast Ferry services by the end of 2023.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the new agreement would see the Manly Fast Ferry continue until 2037, providing the operator with confidence to invest in their vessels and continue to build the service into the future.
“Manly Fast Ferry has operated successfully for 13 years with a strong service record during that time, and this new deal will deliver an even better quality of service for regular commuters and visitors,” Mr Elliott said.
“Manly Fast Ferry operates more than 500 services a week on a regular 20-minute schedule between Manly and Circular Quay, and we’re pleased to say it will continue well into the next decade.
“The Peninsula is a slice of paradise and whether people are making a daily commute to work in the CBD or heading for a day at the beach, this will provide more travel options.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the joining of the Manly Fast Ferry to the Opal network was a big win for commuters and would make visiting one of Sydney’s most popular spots for tourists and day trippers more convenient.
“People want travel options and fare savings and Opal connectivity will deliver this. The ramping-up of services during peak periods by the middle of next year also means commuters will be able to get to their destination faster, with a Manly Fast Ferry operating every 10 minutes,” Mr Griffin said
“The agreement also ensures the fleet will become more environmentally friendly, with the Ocean Class vessels progressively converted to operate with a mix of diesel and hydrogen power and other on-board technological improvements over the life of the contract.
“The deal will be a driving force as we work towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2050 across the transport sector.”
NRMA CEO Expeditions Rachel Wiseman said the new deal safeguards the future of one of Sydney’s best-performing public transport services, with world-class safety and customer service standards consistently exceeding targets.
“The NRMA welcomes this announcement and we are pleased that this long-standing partnership with the NSW Government will continue to deliver for Sydney and in particular Northern Beaches residents,” Ms Wiseman said.
“We know the residents of Manly and the Northern Beaches place a lot of value in this service and we also understand how important it is to opening up the Northern Beaches to tourists.
“The decision was particularly welcomed by our excellent crew who have continued to deliver world-class service during some of the most challenging days of the pandemic.”
