The government of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has invited expressions of interest from private companies regarding the franchise for Sydney Ferries, which operates services in Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River. NSW transport minister Gladys Berejiklian said that the government aims to have a new operator in place by the end of 2012.
According to the Australian Financial Review, 28 local and international companies have already registered their interest in running the ferry service, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Macquarie Bank and a consortium led by former Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon. Berejiklian said the expressions of interest stage will be used to establish a short-list of companies who will be included in a tender process later this year. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest will by July 29.
Under the proposed franchising arrangement, the NSW government will retain ownership of the existing vessels, who will be responsible for their maintenance. The government will also retain the Balmain shipyard, which will be leased to the new operator. The government will set fares and retain control over routes. The operator will be contractually required to meet various performance indicators, safety and staffing obligations, and public reporting commitments.
