Please note: this is a transport story; not a council story.
A free shuttle ferry between Wagstaffe and Ettalong Wharfs, while ferry diversion timetables are in place began from Monday July 10.
The shuttle service will connect ferry users from Wagstaffe with the free shuttle bus at Ettalong.
Due to shifting sand bars in the Ettalong Channel, ferry services have been operating to a diversion timetable, with services currently terminating at Patonga.
From Monday June 19, a free shuttle bus has been in operation, linking Ettalong and Patonga Wharfs.
The shuttle ferry is another means to assist passengers access the vital public transport route, allowing passengers from Wagstaffe to travel to Ettalong Beach, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said.
The shuttle ferry will operate during peak weekday travel times (6:15am – 8:45am and 4:00pm-7:00pm) as well as weekends.
Departure from Wagstaffe Wharf to Ettalong Wharf will be approximately 45 minutes prior to the Palm Beach ferry’s leaving from Patonga.
For passengers travelling from Ettalong to Wagstaffe, the ferry shuttle will leave Ettalong Wharf approximately 35 minutes after the Palm Beach ferry’s arrival time at Patonga.
Ms Tesch said she continues to be in daily contact with Transport for NSW as they work together to implement short and long-term dredging and has welcomed the announcement of this ferry, which is the final connection needed to ensure temporary transport continuity during this time.
“A significant number of community members across the Central Coast have been facing uncertainty in their lives due to the impact of dredging on ferry services.
“This shuttle ferry, along with the shuttle bus, is a proactive interim measure for our community’s transport needs, as we work towards a comprehensive dredging plan.
“I will continue to engage with the necessary authorities to ensure that an effective dredging program is put in place, which does not continue to see this vital transport route impacted for months at a time.”
For details on the free shuttle bus service and to keep up to date with timetable changes, visit: https://transportnsw.info/news/2023/shuttle-bus-temporarily-replacing-ettalong-wagstaffe-ferry-services
