The ferry will transport commuters within Melbourne for a trial period of about eight weeks. The service could be established on a permanent basis if things go well. The catamaran went to Docklands, but it has been revealed that future routes could meet the needs of workers travelling to other areas of the city centre. Printing services may be used to promote new routes.
Some commuters that currently use their cars along Tullamarine Freeway could prefer to take up the ferry option. This may give them a relaxing experience on the way to work. The Little Group is behind the new initiative. Murray Rance, a director for the organisation, said:
“We know it will be a slow build up. It's difficult to change people's habits. I think [the key thing] is giving people confidence it's going to be a reliable service, and not just something that is happening intermittently.”
There are 400 places for commuters on the ferry. During the period of the trial, the cost of return tickets will be set at $20. However, the cost for return tickets may be a little higher if the service becomes a permanent one.
In the past, Melbourne has had ferries for commuters, but this has been the first service of its kind in recent history.