August 1, 2006

New Birkenhead ferry terminal open for business

A new $2.7m ferry terminal at Birkenhead Point opened today - providing a smart, modern waiting area and improved services for passengers.

The terminal has a maritime design, in keeping with Birkenhead's character, and includes a café, toilets, waiting areas and a new canopy over the pontoon. The existing wharf structure has also been structurally strengthened.

Ferry patrons this morning enjoyed a free coffee as a small thank you for their support during the year-long construction process.

To coincide with completion of the new terminal, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority has introduced improved bus feeder services from Birkenhead and Northcote on the weekends, to make it easier to catch the ferry to downtown Auckland. Timetables for ferries and feeder buses are available from the terminal's café, by contacting the MAXX call centre (ph 366 6400) or by visiting www.maxx.co.nz

North Shore City's passenger transport manager Dave Stanley says today's opening is another significant step in the evolution of public transport facilities on the Shore.

"We're progressively improving bus and ferry infrastructure to the extent that public transport is becoming an acceptable travel option for more and more North Shore residents," says Dave Stanley.

"The past 12 months has been our busiest yet, with the opening of the new Park & Ride bus stations at Constellation and Albany, completion of security improvements at Stanley Bay, Northcote and Birkenhead Point wharves, and the acquisition of Devonport Wharf's ferry terminal.

"It all adds up to a more enjoyable public transport experience for North Shore City residents and visitors alike."

ENDS

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