A RETURN trip on a proposed ferry service from Werribee to the city is likely to cost twice as much as a zone 1 and 2 train fare.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy, who has been investigating the feasibility of a ferry from Werribee South to Docklands since last May, has revealed that commuters can expect to pay about $20 for a return trip when the service begins in 2015.
Lyons Capital, the company behind Werribee South’s Wyndham Harbour development where the proposed ferry will dock, says ticket prices could reach $22. A daily zone 1 and 2 train ticket costs $11.84.
However, Mr Guy and the developer are confident commuters will use the ferry because it will be a reliable service and vessels will have free wi-fi.
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Mr Guy said another government report into the proposed service, which will outline the project’s policy parameters, would be released within the next month, allowing the search for an operator to begin. He rubbished suggestions that Queensland ferry company Riverside Marine had been chosen to operate the service.
But Lyons Capital spokesman Greg Miller said the company was working on finalising a service agreement with Riverside Marine, and that the new business would be a subsidiary company of Lyons.
Mr Miller said the ferry would operate between Werribee South and Port Melbourne’s Station Pier.
The developer’s preferred route is at odds with the government’s plan for the ferry to sail to Docklands, with stops at Altona and Williamstown.
“Lyons has initially nominated Station Pier for commuters due to a commuter service to Docklands not being viable if the speed limit up the Yarra River was not increased to ensure a travel time under 50 minutes,” Mr Miller said.
