Brisbane’s CityCat fleet grows to a dozen
05 June, 2008
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Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today welcomed the latest addition to Brisbane’s CityCat fleet – the $2.7 million Wilwinpa.
The new, state-of-the-art CityCat will bring Brisbane’s fleet size to 12 when it enters into service on Monday, June 23.
Wilwinpa, the second of three new CityCats to hit the Brisbane River this year was launched by Cr Newman and Public and Active Transport Chairman Jane Prentice this morning.
The Lord Mayor said the vessel, with its passenger capacity of 162, represented a significant boost to Brisbane’s popular ferry network.
“This will add nine services a day – that’s 45 services a week – for commuters who increasingly love this mode of transport,” he said.
“It means at least an extra 7290 passengers will be able to enjoy our CityCats each and every working week.”
Cr Newman said the CityCat service had seen huge growth in passenger numbers, with over six million passengers expected this year.
“Out fleet has grown by more than 60 per cent since 2003 and it will continue to grow,” he said.
“And to ensure we continue to meet demand in the future, I am committed to a significant expansion program. After the 13th CityCat is completed later this year, over the next four years I will deliver a further six vessels.”
Cr Newman said additional terminals were also a key priority, with up to three new locations on the cards. Possible locations include West End, Teneriffe, Milton, North Shore and Newstead.
“We will be calling for expressions of interest from the private sector to help us build the terminals, based on the Regatta terminal delivery model,” he said.
Wilwinpa is a second generation CityCat holding 162 passengers and travelling at a maximum speed of 25 knots.