Who pays for the ferries, man? We do, one way or another

[Your Auckland ] Hi {NAME}, The construction of [two new electric ferries]( for Auckland is a material sign of long overdue investment in a key part of the city’s public transport network. The two 191-seat ferries are designed and being built in Auckland at the forefront of global moves towards zero-carbon, high-speed passenger transport. Like everything to do with ferries, good things have taken time - the discussions between builder EV Maritime and buyer Auckland Transport began seven years ago. Despite much of Auckland connecting to the [Waitematā Harbour]( ferries still carry only 6% of the city’s public transport trips, underlining the high cost of services. In 2018, [each bus journey taken required a public subsidy of $2.64]( while train trips needed $3.69 of support and ferry $7.12 (excluding the Waiheke Island run). Ferries need skilled crew, and the failure of the largest operator [Fullers360]( to retain a full complement has led to the suspension of three routes, to help some staff focus on training. Which is not an argument against ferry investment - waterborne transport is the only form not dependent on a physical network, like a road or tracks, though occasionally weather can misbehave. And for those communities served by ferry, the alternative is often a long, congestion-inducing land journey. Securing the future for ferry in Auckland requires a big public investment. The first two electric ferries are largely funded by a $27m government grant. And the 10-year programme to replace the ageing, previously privately owned fleet with six or seven AT-owned vessels is being funded from the $57m a year [Climate Action Targeted Rate](. It’s an important if costly switch, taking the investment decisions away from private operators, and reducing the influence they have through owning the boats needed for services. The strategy to develop a publicly owned fleet of clean, zero or low-emission ferries is to be applauded, but calls for it to accelerate or for services to expand in the short term will only happen if someone - the public - pays even more... whether that's in fares or through some kind of subsidy. [Todd Niall] Todd Niall Senior Reporter [Todd Niall] Todd Niall Senior Reporter   [See more Auckland news →]( [timer][trk_px] [timer][trk_px] Missing cannon mystery: Council search for 205-year-old relic at scrap dealers Just a day after a 205-year-old[Crimean War cannon was stolen from Auckland’s waterfront]( on the back of a truck, Auckland Council were calling metal recyclers to see if anyone was trying to melt the relic down. [Read more →](   Enjoying this email? [Check out Stuff's other daily and weekly newsletters.]( [timer][trk_px] More Auckland stories you might have missed   Waiheke iwi declares rāhui over increasing caulerpa spread [Read more →]( Three Auckland ferry services cancelled indefinitely due to maritime skills shortage [Read more →]( Waiwera's thermal resort finally razed after decades of business follies mount [Read more →]( Woman in remission at 27 says stage 4 cancer made her a more 'positive person' [Read more →](   We want the best for Aotearoa's biggest city, but we need your help to keep reporting on local issues. Support our newsroom by making a contribution. [I'd like to contribute →]( [Discover more Auckland news at Stuff]( You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive the Your Auckland newsletter. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get the Your Auckland newsletter in your inbox.]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [TikTok](