UPDATE: The Stockton ferry service has broken down again, leaving commuters stranded and sparking outrage among residents. Premier Chris Minns issued an apology this morning for what he called “intolerable” delays affecting this vital public transport link.
This morning, December 9, 2023, the ferry service was halted due to “unplanned maintenance,” forcing residents to rely on buses for their commute. The disruption marks the second time this month that bus replacements have been necessary, with buses replacing the ferry starting at 11:15 AM. Minns stated, “We urgently need a fix here,” and directed the private operator, Keolis Downer, to send the aging vessel to Sydney for immediate repairs.
Residents have expressed frustration over the service’s unreliability, which they describe as a “band-aid solution.” Alison Rigby, executive of the Stockton Community Group, criticized the government’s response, saying, “One week of stability was not enough. The band-aid solution didn’t stick at all.” She urged authorities to dispatch a replacement ferry from Sydney to ease the burden on the current service.
The latest breakdown is part of a troubling trend, with the ferry experiencing multiple outages since September. The MV Hunter, which was previously used as a backup, has been out of service since February for repairs and has yet to return. The ferry service’s reliability has waned significantly, leaving residents anxious about planning trips due to the risk of delays.
“The community needs more than just sentiment,” Rigby emphasized, raising concerns about the upcoming tourism season and its potential impact on local travel. “What happens if it breaks down between Christmas and New Year?” she asked, highlighting the urgency for a sustainable solution.
Minns acknowledged that the privatization of the ferry service has complicated matters, stating, “It would be a lot easier if it was government run.” He confirmed that the state would not reconsider its contract with Keolis Downer, emphasizing the challenges of relying on a private operator for essential public services.
As the situation continues to develop, residents remain on edge, hoping for a resolution that will restore reliable ferry service to Stockton. The community is calling for swift action to ensure that their essential transport link is reliable as they head into the busy holiday season.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as officials work to address the ongoing ferry crisis.
