Tuesday 30 January 2024

Vision, grabs and stills of ferries under construction are available here Ferry passengers will continue to enjoy extra services on the Parramatta River, as the NSW Government extends the summer frequency increase to make the enhanced timetable permanent.

An additional seven services will operate on the F3 Parramatta River route every weekday and an extra 26 will operate on the weekend. Those heading to events on Sundays will also have more options and shorter wait times, with eight trips that currently terminate and Meadowbank and Barangaroo now extending all the way to Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay.

These service changes come as Sydney’s brand new Australian-made Parramatta River ferry fleet, funded by the NSW Government, is fast taking shape.

The aluminium frames of the first two vessels are nearing structural completion at the Richardson Devine Marine Constructions site on the Derwent River in Tasmania. Welding, electrical work and cabin fit-out has begun inside the vessels.

The new Parramatta River fleet will replace seven old RiverCat vessels which have reached the end of their lifespan after 30 years of service.

The Northern Beaches-designed vessels have a 200-person capacity and will predominantly run on the F3 Parramatta River route, between Parramatta and Circular Quay.

Work on the first of the seven new vessels is due to be complete in February. It will travel to Sydney under its own power in March, before starting sea trials on the Parramatta River and across the Harbour and preparing for passenger service. For more information or to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Jo Haylen:

“Adding extra services to key routes in Sydney will support the return to work and school, making life easier and offering more choice for thousands of commuters."

“We know the community wants more frequent trips along the Parramatta River, particularly on weekends and during major events."

“With our seven new Parramatta Class ferries under construction right now, passengers along the Parramatta River route will soon be able to enjoy their commute and extra services with brand new Australian-made vessels.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Parramatta Donna Davis:

“A more frequent timetable on the popular F3 route is a major boost to those who are taking a ferry to work, to school or to events around Sydney."

“The population right across the Sydney Olympic Park is growing, and we need more public
transport services to meet demand. I want to thank the NSW Government for delivering on its
election commitment and making that happen."

“I’m very happy to see the increased services introduced over the summer months continuing all year round. This is a win for our community.”