UPDATE: Premier Chris Minns has issued a heartfelt apology to residents of Stockton as the city’s only ferry service has broken down once again, leaving commuters scrambling for alternatives. This latest disruption occurred on Saturday morning, December 16, and marks the second time this month the ferry has failed, forcing residents to rely on lengthy bus rides to reach the city.
The ferry service, an essential link for Stockton residents, was halted around 11:15 AM due to “unplanned maintenance,” according to Newcastle Transport. The situation has become increasingly frustrating, with locals expressing anger over the unreliability of what should be a dependable public service. Premier Minns described the current state of the ferry system as “intolerable” and demanded that the private operator, Keolis Downer, send the vessels to Sydney for urgent repairs.
“We urgently need a fix here,” Minns stated, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action. He added, “Just bring the ferry to Sydney and get it fixed as soon as possible.” This sentiment resonates deeply in the community, where many dread planning trips due to the fear of being stranded or delayed by hours.
The ferry has been plagued by a series of breakdowns since September, raising serious concerns about its long-term viability and maintenance. The most recent failure was similar to a previous outage earlier in December that required the intervention of a specialist team from out of state for repairs.
In response to the disruption, half-hourly bus services have been implemented, but residents like Alison Rigby, of the Stockton Community Group, have criticized this approach as a mere “band-aid solution.” Rigby stated, “One week of stability was not enough. The band-aid solution didn’t stick at all; it fell straight off.” She urged for a replacement ferry to be dispatched from Sydney to alleviate the pressure on the current service.
Compounding the issue, MV Hunter, the city’s backup ferry, has been out of service since February and is currently undergoing repairs. Residents are left wondering when reliable ferry service will resume, especially with the upcoming tourist season. “What happens if it breaks down between Christmas and New Year?” Rigby asked, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable transport solution.
Premier Minns acknowledged the community’s frustrations, attributing part of the problem to the privatization of the ferry service. “It would be a lot easier if it was government run,” he remarked. Although he did not indicate a willingness to reconsider the contract with Keolis Downer, he recognized the challenges of outsourcing essential public services.
As Stockton residents wait for updates, the urgency for a permanent solution grows. With the holiday season approaching, the pressure mounts on authorities to restore a reliable ferry service. The Premier’s apology underscores the critical need for swift action to address the ongoing issues plaguing Stockton’s transport network.
For now, residents are left to navigate lengthy bus rides, uncertain about when they will regain a dependable ferry service. The community’s patience is wearing thin as they call for more than just temporary fixes; a long-term solution is essential for the future of Stockton’s transport system.
