The Westgate Punt across the Yarra—used by bike riders to connect from Port Melbourne to the inner western suburbs—will continue operation with further funding from the Victorian Government.
Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has announced it will continue to support the service to the tune of $200,000.
The vessel takes 18 trips each day across the Yarra River between the Spotswood Jetty and the Lorimer Street Low Landing at Fishermans Bend
On weekdays the regular service runs from 6:30am to 6:50pm and on weekends there is an on-demand weekend service between 9am and 5pm.
Three public transport ferries operate in Victoria: the Westgate Punt, the Western Port Ferry from Stony Point to French Island and Phillip Island, and the Port Phillip Ferries from Geelong/Portarlington to Docklands.
Each carries bicycles. Being public transport services, masks are required to be worn.
Operating since 1993 the Westgate Punt attracts a diverse range of around 100 passengers per day, with a mix of commuter cyclists, recreational riders and pedestrians and dogs.
The PTV says the Punt can save users travelling by bike or car up to 13 kilometres by bike, helping to reduce congestion on the roads and improve community health.
The weekday fare is $2.70 per trip.
A full schedule of the Westgate Punt’s weekday services can be found here.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said: “The Westgate Punt is one of the west’s best-kept secrets and we’re ensuring more Victorians will have the chance to discover this unique way to travel.”
“We’re proud to be keeping the Punt’s weekday services afloat—keeping active transport options available for inner west Melburnians.”
The Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne said: “For almost 30 years, the Westgate Punt has been a popular transport option for many cyclists and pedestrians. This investment is ensuring this integral link between the inner west and CBD remains connected.”
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