Sydney Ferries To Allow Passengers To Travel For Free This September

Sydney Ferries will operate free of charge for the month of September, due to protected industrial action by the Maritime Union of Australia workers. Until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 30 September, Opal card readers will be switched off, and passengers will be able to board ferries free of charge.

All 10 public service routes operated by Sydney Ferries are included in this exception, including services to Manly*, Taronga Zoo, Parramatta, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, and Double Bay. *Importantly, private ferries, such as the Manly Fast Ferry operated by the NRMA group, are not included in this free-travel arrangement. 

Sydney Ferries Fee-Waiver The Product Of Industrial Action Negotiations

It comes as the Maritime Union of Australia, employed by Transdev Sydney Ferries, are lobbying for increased pay and better working conditions. The industrial action includes bans on certain work arrangements and overtime.

While Sydney Ferries services are expected to continue operating, Transport for NSW has warned the public that the industrial action may result in service cancellations, delays, and changes across the network, and that passengers should allow for extra time and plan their travel accordingly.

“We are working closely with Transdev to reduce impacts on passengers and provide updates as soon as information becomes available,” said Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins. “While most ferry services are expected to operate, passengers may notice changes to some timetables and services during this period.

“We encourage passengers to check the latest travel information before travelling and thank them for their understanding as these industrial actions take place.”

According to Transport for NSW, Transdev and Maritime Unions continue to negotiate in good faith, and the latest formal offer presented left a “relatively small gap” between the two parties. While agreement is being reached, Transport for NSW has assured the public that they will continue working closely with Transdev to minimise the impacts to passengers.

The fee-free period is the second big announcement to come out of Sydney Ferries this month, preceded by the announcement of a new Walsh Bay stop on 3 September.