Project Update - April 16, 2021

Exploring a Travel Certainty Trial for This Summer


Throughout the Moving Ahead Together on the Sunshine Coast project we heard about the need to reduce the stress and anxiety of ferry travel to and from the Sunshine Coast, especially in the peak season. Participants wanted solutions that would help them plan ahead, and make their travel easier once en route. The uncertainty around travel times, long waits at congested terminals, and lack of available reservations were all noted as concerns to be addressed. In response, we are exploring a trial program to make travel on the Sunshine Coast more comfortable this summer.


We are exploring a trial program that would run over the peak summer season and would offer:

  • 95% of vehicle space available to reserve
  • Free reservations
  • Customers reserve up to 45 minutes in advance of a sailing
  • Lower fares for travel reserved in advance, with deeper discounts for travel at less busy times
  • Standard fare for show-and-go travel
  • Penalty fees for no-shows
  • Space protected for specific priority emergency services and Medical Assured Loading


With this trial we are hoping to offer customers more certainty in their travel plans, reduced wait times, less congestion at the terminal, and a more comfortable travel experience overall.


We recognize the trial represents a change to how people travel to and from the Sunshine Coast today, so before we decide to move ahead, we are asking the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) for their endorsement.


Should the trial be endorsed and move forward, we would collect feedback from customers and communities, and monitor and regularly report on the results of the changes. At the end of the trial, we would use customer feedback to assess whether the approach achieved the intended benefits.


More details on the trial will be available in late April should we receive endorsement from the SCRD. In the meantime, you can read more about proposed trial concept here.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Consultation has concluded

<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en-US.projects.blog_posts.show.load_comment_text">Load Comment Text</span>