A new ferry timetable is coming

Ferry services to and from Gulf Harbour are to be boosted with the number of daily sailings going from four to 12.

The new timetable will start on 28 July 2014 and follows public consultation in June. That consultation saw 1000 responses about the proposed new timetable.

As a result the number of services will go to 12 a day and the afternoon sailings from Auckland will be 15 minutes later, the feedback was that the 4.30pm service was too early.

Auckland Transport Group Manager Public Transport, Mark Lambert says the response rate to the consultation was very pleasing and indicates the high level of community interest in the ferry service. “It is only with this level of feedback that Auckland Transport can truly know what people need from public transport services, and then we can assess how best to meet those expectations.”

There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the increased number of sailings and 76% of respondents indicated they would use the ferry more than they do now.

Auckland Transport will be monitoring the new timetable to make sure the services are performing and meeting the needs of people using the ferries.

The consultation also shows people want connecting bus services, ferries on the weekend, cycling options to the ferry terminal and support for carpooling. Mr Lambert says the bus connections are being looked at as part of the Hibiscus Coast New Network bus consultation that is currently underway.

Fairway Bay CEO Sean Pan says "We are delighted to be working with Auckland Transport to provide improved ferry connections between Gulf Harbour and the city. We have already seen an increase in enquiries from CBD office workers, who can see the value and lifestyle benefits of coastal living combined with the pleasure of travelling to work by ferry."

360 Discovery Cruises Manager James Bailey says “After many years of transporting commuters to/from Auckland and Gulf Harbour, we are thrilled to be involved with providing an all-day commuter service to our customers. With the valued feedback from our passengers and working closely with Auckland Transport and Fairway Bay, an all-day service is now a reality. We’re looking forward to the expected growth of the Gulf Harbour area along with the growth of the ferry services.”

eends

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