Viewpoint – Ferry service call to action

I would love to focus on the many positives happening around the Coast right now, but ignoring the ongoing and unacceptable state of the Gulf Harbour ferry service would be irresponsible.

Let’s rewind to September 2024, when the full timetable was reinstated after a year of reduced services so Fullers could train crew. For a brief moment, things ran smoothly. But by November, we were back to the same pattern of cancellations, delays and confusion that have plagued the service since covid.

“Mechanical failure” is often blamed, but the reality is worse. The Gulf Harbour ferry is frequently diverted mid-route to cover inner-city sailings when those boats break down. These last-minute changes leave commuters stranded with little or no notice.

Cancellations to favour more “viable” routes have become the norm. Financial priorities are clearly outweighing community needs. Fullers’ monopoly hasn’t served Coast commuters well, and many believe they are failing to maintain the fleet. Meanwhile, Auckland Transport and Fullers keep shifting blame with zero accountability. By February 25, (as per the recent Stuff article) there were 43 cancellations in 19 sailing days, i.e. over two per day.

Key issues include:

• AT has stopped issuing real-time alerts.

• Cancellations occur at departure time.

• No alternative transport is offered, even with forecast bad weather.

• Unsafe alternatives force commuters to bus for two to three hours, then walk 10 or 15 minutes in the dark from the Village to the Marina.

• Buses don’t align with ferry timetables – last departures are too early.

• Ferries are often too small or understaffed, leaving people behind.

• Poor communication: AT tells passengers to call Fullers, Fullers blames AT.

• Ferries have left passengers behind at the dock, only to depart for other routes.

• One commuter described arriving late by ferry just in time to see their connecting bus drive off. Another reported calling AT about a “cancellation” while on the boat.

It is clear GH sailings are frequently sacrificed for shorter, more profitable routes like Devonport, Hobsonville and Half Moon Bay, despite excuses of “mechanical issues.”

The result? Frustrated commuters returning to their cars, enduring traffic or multi-bus commutes, risking job issues and missing school pickups. Ironically, Fullers and AT may use this drop in patronage to justify further cuts.

Before October 2024, buses helped bridge the gap. That safety net is now gone. AT’s recent clumsy attempt to “join the conversation” with the ferry group was rejected – the GHFG wants genuine engagement, and this has felt to them like “people hiding behind the brand”.

One thing remains consistent: the ferry crews themselves. Professional, kind, and apologetic –they deserve credit. My hope is this message spreads, to pressure both AT and Fullers to stop prioritising profit over people, and finally deliver the reliable, accountable service we deserve.