We already love the Manly Fast Ferry for its speed and her incredible sea-faring agility even in the wildest swell (she was the last hope to get home for many last week when even the beautiful big old Freshwaters girls couldn’t continue), but NRMA has given us reason to crush even harder on these wave whippets.
The Manly Fast Ferries are in the process of upgrading to new Australian designed, manufactured and installed cabin interiors, and a new on-board bar menu that includes iconic beers and spirits brewed and distilled on the Northern Beaches.
Every day the fleet of five Fast Ferries moves thousands of commuters, day-trippers and tourists across Sydney Harbour between Manly Wharf and Circular Quay – a trip that takes just 20 minutes, with departures every 10 minutes in peak hours and every 20 minutes at other times.
The Ocean Rider and Ocean Adventurer ferries have already received their upgrades now, with the remainder of the fleet to be completed by June – all designed and built right here in Australia.
“We wanted to improve our customer experience and give passengers the best daily commute we can. There’s a very clear contrast between our old interiors and our refurbishment,” says Marketing Manager Tom McParlane.
New features include clearly-marked priority seating for passengers with mobility needs, upgraded accessibility with wider aisles for wheelchairs and parents with prams, phone charging ports at select seats, new window treatments to help control glare while framing the harbour views, new flooring with a timber-look – and a new bar menu featuring local heroes 4 Pines beer and Manly Spirits.
Feedback from passengers has been extremely positive.
“We’ve had glowing feedback on how it looks visually as well as comfort on board. It’s a big noticeable change and our daily commuters have responded very well so far,” says Tom McParlane.
Manly Fast Ferry operators, NRMA, says the upgrades demonstrate a commitment to Australian craftsmanship and local industry.
“As an Australian-owned operator, we wanted to invest in Australian design, manufacturing and local suppliers, and support local jobs,” NRMA Chief Operating Officer Marine, Nigel Ellsmore said.
“The support for local businesses can even be found at the on-board bar, where one can finish the day with a cold, Northern Beaches-brewed 4 Pines Beer or an award-winning nip of Manly Spirits.”
The Manly Fast Ferry service is part of the Opal network, so you can use your Opal card to travel on this service. The fares are the same single-journey price as the F1 Ferry service, and the same array of Opal benefits offered across the Opal network apply.
“Travelling over the world’s best harbour by ferry is a quintessentially Sydney experience – there’s never been a better time to experience Manly Fast Ferry’s refreshed fleet.”
And in breaking news: Transport NSW has just announced (8 April) that commuters can also now access a new real-time data afeed for the Manly Fast Ferry, meaning passengers can see live ferry information online and in travel apps, showing the actual departure and arrival times and service status.
Passengers will be able to opt in via the Opal Travel app to receive push notifications about the service on specific days and times and to be alerted of delays or cancellations before they leave home, just as they can for the F1 ferries.
Information will be available via the Trip Planner and the Opal Travel App; and via third-party apps such as TripView and Google.
Many Fast Ferry Timetables here
Trip planner here
Contact 1800 326 822
This is a sponsored article in support of locals news
