The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), Australia’s leading tourism and transport advocacy group, has welcomed today’s announcement by the NSW Government to introduce 85 extra ferry services each week for Sydney commuters.

TTF Chief Executive Officer Margy Osmond said that the new services would provide greater convenience for commuters and new options for travel between the CBD, Inner West, North Shore and the Eastern Suburbs.

“Today’s announcement of 85 extra ferry services each week is great news for commuters, providing more convenient links between key transport hubs across the inner harbour,” said Ms Osmond.

“Last year, more than 15 million trips were taken on Sydney’s world-famous ferries. Today’s announcement will see this figure grow, and will help ease the city’s congestion headache.

“The more people we can get out of their cars and onto alternative modes of transport, such as ferries, the better for the entire transport network and for the city.

Ms Osmond said that the increase in services, the ability to use Opal on private ferries and the imminent introduction of new, larger ferries, were also good news for the visitor economy.

“Ferries are a fantastic way to explore the wonders of our beautiful harbour. Providing new cross-harbour services linking the CBD, Inner West, North Shore and Eastern Suburbs will enhance the visitor experience,” said Ms Osmond.

“TTF is harbouring great ambitions for the future of ferry services in Sydney. The full potential of the harbour as a transport asset is yet to be fully realised, and it is crucial that we continue to expand the city’s ferry network into the future.”