4 Jan 2019

Bluebridge Ferry customer unhappy with service

4:41 pm on 4 January 2019

An angry Bluebridge Ferries customer is slamming the company's poor communication about a breakdown that's caused massive disruption this week.

Bluebridge Ferry.

Bluebridge Ferry. Photo: RNZ / Ruth Hill

The company was forced to cancel 14 sailings this week after one of its vessels broke down on New Year's Eve.

A Bluebridge spokesperson said the problem had now been fixed and it was "business as usual" at Bluebridge from tonight.

"Both vessels will be back on their regular schedules from 8.45pm tonight (Friday 4 January)," she said.

"All passengers affected by the cancelled sailings have now been rescheduled onto other sailings or are receiving a full refund.

"We'd like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding while we worked through these unscheduled repairs."

But Aucklander Larry James said he got a text alert but then could not get through to anyone at the call centre.

After sending an email and then phoning again, he has received a refund.

But he's out of pocket by having to make a last-minute Interislander booking.

Mr James said handling disruptions was a major part of customer services, and not answering calls and only offering a refund was unacceptable, especially during peak season.