Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

Allan Miles, spokesman for Action for Public Transport, said that, all factors being considered, the decision was the right one.

'Improvements in service are still expected," Mr Miles said, "and a substantial capital investment in the fleet is required to overcome capacity problems, but the government is best placed to make these happen."

"Government operation is also better placed to ensure that vital connections with buses at suburban wharves are maintained", he said.

Mr Miles said that the popular TravelPasses providing integrated bus, train and ferry fares would have been under threat if the ferries had been passed into private hands.

"Having decided not to let the ferries go private," Mr Miles said, "the government should continue the momentum and bring the remaining few private ferries under government control." He said that this did not necessarily mean ownership, but a more integrated system of routes, fares and tickets, similar to the bus contract system." This would provide much more benefit for passengers," he said.

Mr Miles said that government ferry fares had not been increased since January 2007. "Fare rises normally due in January 2008, January 2009 and January 2010 were deferred pending a decision on the ownership issue", he said.

"With that out of the way," Mr Miles said, "perhaps we can expect a quick application for fare increases, and maybe large ones at that."

Contact:	Allan Miles	9516-1906
	Graeme Taylor	9909-1260 (H)
		9248-1637 (W)