Post by ferryfast admin on May 31, 2011 11:40:53 GMT -5
Banks show an interest in running Sydney ferries
Jacob Saulwick
June 1, 2011
29 companies have declared interest in running a private ferry service in Sydney.
MACQUARIE BANK and the Commonwealth Bank are among 28 shipping, banking and logistics companies to have declared an interest in running a privatised ferry service in Sydney.
After registrations of interest closed yesterday afternoon, the Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, said she was delighted so many companies had put up their hands. Only 10 did when Labor made its aborted attempt to privatise ferry operations in 1998.
"This is a vote of confidence in the O'Farrell government's determination and ability to finally give Sydney the ferry service it deserves," Ms Berejiklian said.
The early favourites to win the contract for the ferry fleet - the government will retain control of fare and route settings - are the local arms of global operators Veolia Transport and Transfield Services.
Other local operators to nominate include Captain Cook Cruises and the Manly Fast Ferry company.
But the registration process has also revealed interest from overseas companies such as the Dutch ferry operator Royal Doeksen, the British-owned private jail and detention centre firm Serco, and the New Zealand shipping company Fullers Group.
The chief executive of the Tourism and Transport Forum, John Lee, said he hoped Ms Berejiklian would favour an innovative operator that understood local demand.
''It is OK to have an international brand, but we hope that they have an understanding of the Australian market,'' he said.
Though Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank have registered their interest, it is unclear whether they would participate as part of a consortium.
The government hopes to have a private franchise running Sydney Ferries by the end of next year.
Read more: www.smh.com.au/nsw/banks-show-an-interest-in-running-sydney-ferries-20110531-1feqj.html#ixzz1NwtLaks3
Jacob Saulwick
June 1, 2011
29 companies have declared interest in running a private ferry service in Sydney.
MACQUARIE BANK and the Commonwealth Bank are among 28 shipping, banking and logistics companies to have declared an interest in running a privatised ferry service in Sydney.
After registrations of interest closed yesterday afternoon, the Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, said she was delighted so many companies had put up their hands. Only 10 did when Labor made its aborted attempt to privatise ferry operations in 1998.
"This is a vote of confidence in the O'Farrell government's determination and ability to finally give Sydney the ferry service it deserves," Ms Berejiklian said.
The early favourites to win the contract for the ferry fleet - the government will retain control of fare and route settings - are the local arms of global operators Veolia Transport and Transfield Services.
Other local operators to nominate include Captain Cook Cruises and the Manly Fast Ferry company.
But the registration process has also revealed interest from overseas companies such as the Dutch ferry operator Royal Doeksen, the British-owned private jail and detention centre firm Serco, and the New Zealand shipping company Fullers Group.
The chief executive of the Tourism and Transport Forum, John Lee, said he hoped Ms Berejiklian would favour an innovative operator that understood local demand.
''It is OK to have an international brand, but we hope that they have an understanding of the Australian market,'' he said.
Though Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank have registered their interest, it is unclear whether they would participate as part of a consortium.
The government hopes to have a private franchise running Sydney Ferries by the end of next year.
Read more: www.smh.com.au/nsw/banks-show-an-interest-in-running-sydney-ferries-20110531-1feqj.html#ixzz1NwtLaks3