ferries

MEDIA RELEASE: Tuesday, 14 February 2012

FERRY FARES SET TO SKYROCKET UNDER O'FARRELL GOVERNMENT -
PARRAMATTA RIVER CAT FACES THE AXE

The NSW Labor Opposition has today demanded the O'Farrell Government rule out passing on huge fare increases and axing Parramatta River Cat services as part of the privatisation of Sydney Ferries.

"Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian needs to take a stand and rule out huge fare increases and cuts to the Parramatta River Cat services today," Shadow Transport Minister, Penny Sharpe said.

Sydney Ferries services could be axed, safety standards compromised and fares increased following the O'Farrell Government's announcement that 100 jobs will be cut from Sydney Ferries.

"One in six staff that works on Sydney Ferries today will be axed by the O'Farrell Government," said Shadow Minister for Transport, Penny Sharpe.

"Cutting 100 of the 600 jobs in Sydney ferries will force major service cuts and reduce safety on the Sydney Ferries network.

"Labor was advised in Government that cuts of this magnitude would see Sydney Ferries forced to operate below maritime safety standards.

"The Minister must explain – will she cut services, or force Sydney Ferries to operate below Maritime Safety standards?"

The Sydney Ferries sell off announced today by the O'Farrell Government could lead to job cuts, service cuts and fare increases for passengers.

Leader of the Opposition John Robertson said it was a sad day for Sydneysiders, whose iconic green and yellow ferry services are being auctioned off to the highest bidder.

"The iconic green and yellow Sydney Ferries are part of the fabric of Sydney but today the Government has moved to sell them off," he said.

"Premier O'Farrell's pledge to increase services, whilst cutting $40 million from the Sydney Ferries budget, simply doesn't add up.

"The Premier is trying to say that 2 + 2 = 1, but it is the commuters of Sydney that will end up short-changed.