2 Jun 2011

Fullers keen to run Sydney's ferries

1:01 pm on 2 June 2011

New Zealand ferry operator Fullers is one of 28 companies to have registered interest in the running Sydney's ferry service.

The New South Wales Government plans to have a private ferry operator in place by the end of next year, but will retain control of the fare structure and routes.

The Commonwealth Bank, Macquarie Capital, and Manly Fast Ferry are among the Australian companies to have registered.

British firm, Serco, which runs the new Mt Eden jail in Auckland, has also registered its interest.

New South Wales transport minister, Gladys Berejeklian says the interest is encouraging, because only 10 firms applied during an aborted franchise process in 2008.

She says the organisation hasn't been well managed for a decade, while the private sector has demonstrated its ability to efficiently run other transport services in Australia.