Greater frequency for Mends Street ferry service during peak periods

9/05/05

Morning and afternoon peak hour Transperth ferry services between Barrack Street jetty and Mends Street jetty in South Perth are to be increased.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has told State Parliament the services from Mends Street would operate every 10 minutes in the morning peak hour and every 12 minutes in the afternoon peak period.

The services had been operating every 20 minutes.

"The primary Mends Street service provides an average of about 24 passengers per trip, whereas an average of just three passengers per trip were using the Coode Street stop," Ms MacTiernan said.

The Coode Street extension has traditionally operated from September to April, and ended on May 1 this year.

"As a result of the low patronage on the Coode Street extension, I have decided to redirect resources to where they are most needed," the Minister said.

"Further considerations such as vessel, channel and jetty maintenance meant the ongoing and future additional investment in this extension could not be justified."

The immediate catchment area around Coode Street is served by Transperth's route 32 bus service, which connects to the Mends Street ferry service and also delivers passengers to a range of locations in the city.

Ms MacTiernan told Parliament she was keen to explore a weekend ferry service to Coode Street, particularly for Sundays during summer months.

"We would need to work with local businesses and the council to ensure that it was properly promoted and patronised," she said.

"Obviously there will be great opportunities to expand the ferry services in future years when population densities and community and retail activities increase in the Burswood, East Perth (Riverside project area) and new Esplanade Station areas."