Albany residents flock to ferries
A word from councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker
Councillors John Watson, left, and Wayne Walker. Now is a great time to give commuting by ferry a go.
It may surprise people to learn that the Albany ward is home to three distinct ferry services, more in fact than any other ward in Auckland. These ferry services run out of West Harbour, Hobsonville and Gulf Harbour.
Over the last year some of these services have experienced a phenomenal growth in patronage as people working in the city opt for a leisurely sail down the harbour as opposed to sitting in Auckland’s motorway traffic.
Give ferries a go
The warmer months are a great time to give these ferries a go if you live in the general locality, especially now that everyone’s back to work and the traffic builds up for another year.
Many people have become instant converts when they compare the ferry commute to the congestion and uncertainty of the motorways. What’s more, in 2016 all the ferry contracts across Auckland go out for tender, the intention being to improve and upgrade the services offered in the future.
More services key
This goal is reflected in the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) and has particular significance for West Harbour, Gulf Harbour and Hobsonville. Our view is that if additional services are put on, the public will respond, as they have done so already, in impressive numbers.
Faster, higher-frequency ferry services make absolute economic, geographic and lifestyle sense for our fast-growing ward. Our goal is to see these improvements delivered this year. Please contact us if you have any questions.
john.watson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
wayne.walker@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz