Manager defends ferry service

Press, 21 January 1987, Page 5

Manager defends ferry service

The cost of inter-island ferry travel and the booking system have been defended by the Railways Corporation after criticism by a North Island man in “The Press.” The corporation’s assistant general manager, Mr Euan McQueen, said the corporation had introduced a new fare structure in April, which “is working well.” The fares are for summer, standard and bargain rates, and would be reviewed after a year. Prices were reviewed annually. The inter-island fare prices supplied by the Railways Corporation on Monday evening for the article were out of date. The summer rate for one-way passage, applicable from December 13 to February 6, is $115.50 for large cars (4m to 6m in length). Each additional half metre costs $13.75. Small cars, up to 4m, cost $BB. Adult passengers pay $27.50. Cheaper standard rates apply at other specified times, and bargain rates are offered during the year, outside most school holidays. The ferry service had been “99 per cent reliable” over the last six months, said Mr McQueen. More than half of the days lost had been on the freight ferry and had not affected passengers. Mr Ken Moore,, of Kaiapoi, telephoned in response to the article in “The Press.” After trying to get a ferry booking, and then waiting on the wharf in Wellington, he said, “Public relations do not exist at the Railways.” Mr McQueen defended the booking system. “Cars come in all shapes and sizes. They are booked by make of car, but staff put unbooked extras on as best they can.”

Nearly all unbooked cars crossed the same day they arrived, said Mr McQueen. Many travellers did not turn up for the sailings on which they were booked.