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

Allan Miles, secretary of Action for Public Transport (APT) said fresh management could invigorate the system.

"It is important that the government retains ownership of the fleet," Mr Miles said, "and keeps control over fares, routes and services". "Ferries must still connect with buses at wharves," he said, "and MyZone tickets must remain valid."

Mr Miles said that Sydney Ferries must remain an integral, and perhaps an indistinguishable (but distinguished), part of the city's public transport network.

"We do not want the ferries marketed under a private name, or the fleet decorated in private colours," Mr Miles said. "We must move towards, not away from, an overall marketing name and identity for all Sydney transport", he said. "Nobody cares who owns or runs the roads, and passengers do not care who runs the ferries or buses, as long as they are safe, clean and on time."

"We don't need what the Germans call schlimmbesserung - a change that makes things worse," he said. "The safety and convenience of passengers must be uppermost," Mr Miles said, "and not compromised in the name of profit".

Mr Miles said that the government must provide sufficient capital to enable the new operators upgrade the fleet, and continue to keep channels open for passenger dialogue with management.

"This would also be an opportune time for the government to implement an extension of MyZone tickets to the exisitng private ferries." Mr Miles said.

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