Birkenhead Weekend Ferry Service

Updated 18 October 2010, by Carol Scott

Birkenhead Residents Association has asked the Auckland Regional Transport Authority to look at providing an improved weekend ferry service for Birkenhead that would give a more even spread of sailings during the day with the addition of late evening sailings for access to night-time events in Auckland central.

At present the very limited weekend timetable of 2x early morning and 3x late afternoon sailings seems to be designed more to suit Fullers than the public they are meant to serve.

We need a weekend timetable that would suit families with children, shoppers, visitors, tourists and theatre-goers. Our request was accompanied by a petition of 172 residents´ signatures collected over just a few days.

We are waiting to hear back from ARTA, who are already warning that "costs" will be the decisive factor. No surprise there; but with those bridge clip-ons showing their age, it´s vital that our ferry service provides a 7-day alternative to the car.