By Charlene Gatt
THE West Gate Punt bicycle and pedestrian ferry has expanded operations to cater for a major increase in daily bike commuting.
The West Gate Punt links the Bay Trail West bike trail to the Bay Trail and has capacity for 12 passengers with bicycles per crossing.
The service, which previously operated between 9am and 4pm on weekends, will now also open on week days between 6.30am and 9.30am and 4pm and 7pm thanks to a $1.4 million allocation in the 2011-12 State Budget.
Cyclists can try the service free for the first four weeks of service. It will then cost $2 a trip.
“The punt provides a short safe crossing of 100 metres compared to a 13-kilometre bike ride,” Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said.
Mr Mulder said with Melbourne’s growing population, it was important to develop new and innovative ways to move people around.
“While we are continuing to invest in traditional transport infrastructure by upgrading roads and buying new trains, we are also determined to think outside the square when it comes to transport solutions,” he said.
“The punt will now provide a great transport alternative for both weekday commuters, and weekend leisure travellers.”
