Aucklanders hopping to and from Waiheke Island are celebrating a new competitor offering trips on the route, with Island Direct setting sail for the first time today. Its 50-seater vessel is scheduled to complete 18 crossings between Auckland CBD and Waiheke most days, and some of its tickets are going for nearly half the price of the long-running ferry operator Fullers360. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi were up early to catch the very first Island Direct ferry [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default default/index.html?videoId=6341026381112
A new Waiheke Island ferry service begins tomorrow, providing competition with Fullers who drew the ire of Waiheke commuters earlier this year. Island Direct.
A new Waiheke Island ferry service begins tomorrow, providing competition with Fullers who drew the ire of Waiheke commuters earlier this year.
Island Dire
Auckland ferry operator Fullers360 will still not have its fares regulated on the Waiheke route. Waka Kotahi has been reviewing the exemption granted to Fullers360, which means it operates outside of Auckland Transport control. That means Fullers can set their own fares, which has caused a lot of upset with locals who use it as a public transport service. A report for the transport agency has found the company does not generate super profits, and has a normal commercial approach. Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick blasted what she called the report's "inexcusable, circular, bureaucratic logic" and criticised the "extraordinarily expensive" prices Fullers charges Waiheke commuters. Fullers 360 chief executive Mike Horne speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default default/index.html?videoId=6340844992112