By Goya Dmytryshchak
A commuter ferry trial between Williamstown and Port Melbourne is struggling to attract passengers.
The trial, which started on February 11 and will run to February 27, has drawn only a handful of people on its early trips.
St Kilda Ferry operator Rob Egan said the first week had not gone as well as he expected and he hoped poor conditions were the cause.
“During the weekends, when I run the Williamstown to St Kilda ferry, if the weather is slightly windy or overcast people don’t come,” he said. “The [first] two days have been absolutely atrocious, so I’m hoping it’s that.
“We’ve got a fully-enclosed cabin with 30 seats like an aircraft inside – beautiful comfortable seats.”
In 2016, Port Phillip Ferries trialed a commuter service from Wyndham Harbour to Docklands, but it was abandoned due to poor patronage.
Mr Egan hopes more people will get on board before his trial ends. Despite the disappointing start, another trial is planned for April.
The commuter service operates Monday to Wednesday, with the first ferry departing Gem Pier at Williamstown at 7am and the last at 5pm. Ferries arrive at Port Melbourne in 15 minutes to coincide with the arrival of the 109 tram. City commuters can catch a tram to arrive at Crown in eight minutes, Spring Street in 22 minutes or Southern Cross station in 35 minutes.
The earliest ferry from Port Melbourne to Williamstown will leave at 7.30am and the last at 5.30pm.
Commuter tickets cost $7 each way (half the cost of a tourist trip) and must be booked online at stkildaferry.com.au
