Small Ferries Fail Disabled Passengers

In late October, the state government quietly rolled out the first of three Emerald class ferries amid protests to keep all four of the larger, original Freshwater class ferries operational.

It's been a disaster with two Emeralds - the Fairlight and Balmoral - already suffering a cracked hull, rudder issues and a broken window.  Propeller works are being conducted on the Clontarf before it has taken its first passenger. The smaller boats are also unable to cross the Heads in rough seas and can't dock at the main ferry wharves when the tide is low. 

And now, it's clear they are not suitable for disabled people. There's not enough floor space, especially with the gangplank cluttering up the inside space. The steeply arched gangplanks can be unsuitable for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues.  Local wheelchair-user Evelyn Shervington discovered he was unable to leave the ferry at low tide on his own.  Deck hands had to be called in to drag him up the gangplank. It's outrageous.   

Details here.