Community group fills information gap ahead of ferry strike

A community group has stepped in to provide alternative travel advice ahead of Wednesday’s Sydney Ferries strike, amid concerns passengers have not received enough practical information from Transport for NSW.

Ferry services will stop between 9am and 2pm on Wednesday, September 2, with significant disruption also expected before and after the five-hour stoppage.

Transport for NSW has advised passengers to consider alternative transport, but the North Sydney Transport Association said commuters needed more detailed guidance than a general direction to “find another way”.

The association has produced its own Ferry Strike Alternative Services Guide, outlining bus, train and other options for affected routes.

“TfNSW is telling passengers to find an alternative, but it’s leaving the community to work out what those alternatives actually are,” association president Lachlan Steenson said.

“We’ve put together the guide because someone needs to.”

Steenson said the disruption demonstrated the importance of ferries to Lower North Shore communities, where alternative public transport could be limited or less direct.

“For some communities, a ferry is the bus,” he said. “When that connection disappears, the alternative isn’t always as simple as catching the next bus.”

Association vice-president Charlie Green said community organisations should not have to address gaps in official passenger information during major transport disruptions.

“Passengers shouldn’t have to rely on community groups to figure out how they’re getting around,” he said.

“We’re happy to help, but this information should be readily available to passengers from the start.”

The association is calling on Transport for NSW to provide corridor-specific alternative travel information during major disruptions.

Passengers have been advised to check transport alerts before leaving, allow additional travel time and consider alternative services.