Subsidizing Waiheke Ferry Services as Public Transport w/ Chlöe Swarbrick: November 20, 2023

Waka Kotahi has recently released a report on the Waiheke Ferry Service, after months of locals calling for the service to be subsidised as public transport. The report recognised the service as integral to the Auckland public transport network, but sighted not enough evidence to justify a need for subsidising the route as public transport. The Ferry route run by Fullers was the only service running regularly between Downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island, until a new company “Island Ferry Direct” launched a route last week. 

Rosetta spoke with Chlöe Swarbrick, Auckland Central MP, about her frustrations with the Waka Kotahi report, and the challenges that Waiheke Island residents are currently facing in regards to the Waiheke Ferry Service. We also spoke about what difference Island Ferry Direct will make as a competitive service with Fullers.