250,000 passengers vote with their feet on the Derwent Ferry

9 August 2023

Today marks the second anniversary of the Derwent Ferry service, which has received the support of over 250,000 customers.

After more than 250,000 passengers have been transported, and the service is operating effectively.

The ferry has been a great success, with customers loving the service and providing overwhelmingly good comments from the very beginning.

When we initially reached 60,000 passengers after eight months of operation, we were thrilled, and when we reached 100,000 passengers in June of last year, we were completely floored. Therefore, 250,000 passengers definitely warrant the extra commitment from both the State and Federal levels.

The ferry service has grown to be a crucial component of our transportation system, clearing the Tasman Bridge and hundreds of other vehicles from the road during rush hour.

We're working hard to improve the service and bring it to other riverside places.

Recent acquisition of the Bellerive dock facilities will allow us to improve passenger comfort.

A drafted Derwent Ferry Masterplan, which analyses potential new stations and routes, is also almost complete and we will continue to consult with the Greater Hobart councils to deliver the best service for the community.

We've renewed the contract with Roche Brothers to run the present service to secure the immediate future while we give this significant task the attention it deserves.