Photo: Supplied / Auckland Transport
Auckland's ferries have returned to full timetables five months ahead of schedule.
Crew shortages for ferry operator Fullers 360 meant timetables were reduced for some of the cities most popular ferry routes last year to make time to fill the gaps.
Training was expected to take 18 months but Auckland Transport says weekend sailings are now back for Half Moon Bay, following the Devonport and Gulf Harbour services returning to full schedules earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Auckland Transport is commissioning an independent study on transport options for the Whangaparāoa Peninsula - including considering whether to keep the ferry, despite backlash from the community.
Auckland Transport group manager public transport operations, Rachel Cara, said it had been a tough year for ferry users.
"We understand that the last 12 months has been tough for some of our regular ferry customers with disruption to how they normally travel, so to have all services back up and running again in time for summer is awesome."
Fullers 360 chief operating officer Paul Trotman said it has hired 31 new staff to the 170-person maritime team, with all existing staff receiving training as well.
Twenty people have been promoted into skipper and deckhand roles through the training.
"This huge effort has put us in a great position to run a full suite of commuter services and greatly benefits those who travel by ferry," he said.
"We thank AT, NZTA and the ferry community for their support and patience through this process."
