In darkness,the Frances Bodkin slipped into Sydney Harbour shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday after sailing 630 nautical miles (1170km) on its maiden voyage from Hobart,having overnighted at Flinders Island and Eden.
Premier Chris Minns said the new ferries would give passengers more reliable services,comfortable seating,greater accessibility and upgraded safety,while acting as a “shot in the arm for Australian domestic manufacturing”.
“It’s something that we’ve believed in since prior to the election – a key election promise from the NSW government. We’d like to see more of it,” he said. “The state is open for business for Australian building firms that want to produce transport infrastructure.”
The latest figures show patronage on the Parramatta River route rose to almost 219,000 trips in February,up 24 per cent on last year and higher than the 191,000 in February 2020,shortly before patronage slumped due to the pandemic.
Action for Public Transport spokesman Graeme Taylor said the new ferries were too small to cope with the surging patronage on the Parramatta River route,increasing the likelihood of people being left behind on wharves.
“The existing Rivercats can carry 230 passengers and have more space to stand and for people to put luggage,prams and surfboards. The new ferries are registered for 200 people but will feel full at 150,” he said.