In January 2025, we launched a redesigned ferry network following community consultation, doubling service frequency at key terminals and improving reliability. This resulted in an enhanced customer experience while delivering operational efficiencies and $1.8M in annual savings.
About this Project
The inner-city CityHopper and Cross River ferry services were infrequent (every 30–36 minutes) and often reached capacity, leaving up to 1,200 customers waiting each month, particularly impacting Kangaroo Point residents.
Issues included overlapping routes, poor legibility, mismatched demand and capacity and operational constraints at terminals.
In response, the team delivered the most significant ferry network change in more than a decade, reconfiguring services into four high-frequency Cross River routes, including Bulimba–Teneriffe, doubling frequency at key terminals and improving service reliability, network simplicity, customer experience and annual savings.
Key Highlights
Brisbane’s ferry network is iconic and plays an important role in keeping Brisbane moving.
To ensure the changes were successful, the team prioritised robust community engagement and meticulous planning. A more efficient service plan was developed and fleet allocation was optimised.
Active transport options, including the new Kangaroo Point Bridge, were considered when designing the new network, resulting in routes operating every 15 minutes and connecting with CityCat services for onward travel. This provides customers with a more frequent, predictable and reliable service.
Since the new network commenced, no residents have been left behind at any Kangaroo Point terminals. The new network also delivered a substantial and ongoing operational saving of $1.8M annually.
Facts & Figures
- 30% reduction in fuel consumption for KittyCat services
- $1.8m annual savings
- Service frequency doubled at some terminals in Kangaroo Point, and waiting times reduced from every 36 to every 15 minutes
- Service patronage and customer satisfaction maintained
- No customers left behind at Kangaroo Point terminals since the new network commenced
