Port Phillip Ferries hails Geelong- Melbourne trial

PORT Phillip Ferries has hailed the Geelong-to-Melbourne ferry trials as a huge success, and has suggested a regular service could be in place by early next year.

Owner and founder of the company Paul Little visited the Geelong waterfront on Tuesday to discuss the results of the trial, and spoke of the need to commission another purpose-built vessel, which could operate twice daily, for the journey.

He said several factors such as car parking and accessibility to and from Geelong’s waterfront are currently being addressed to ensure a seamless experience for passengers.

“We thank both the Geelong business community and residents for wholeheartedly supporting the trial services and for embracing ferry travel as a viable alternative to travelling by car or rail,” Mr Little said.

“My vision for Port Phillip Ferries has always been about making ferry travel accessible to as many Victorians as possible. This takes us one step closer to that vision.”

He said the Bellarine had been enjoying a twice-daily ferry service to and from Portarlington since November 2016 but assured residents and visitors there that any new service would in no way affect the existing services, which Port Phillip Ferries is committed to continuing.

“The addition of a Geelong service would help to strengthen the success of Port Phillip Ferries and ensure its ongoing viability.

“As witnessed on the Bellarine Peninsula, a ferry service in and out of Central Geelong will not only benefit daily commuters, it will also provide a huge benefit for tourism, visiting friends and relatives, business, education and other unrealised opportunities.”