Barging across harbour to meet rising demand

Dunedin businesses Port to Port and Otago Moorings Ltd have teamed up to launch a cycle barge as demand for the ferry service across Otago Harbour rises.

The Bike Barge, provided by Kevin Waters, of Otago Moorings, celebrated its maiden cycle-laden voyage across the harbour yesterday.

Port to Port ferry owner Rachel McGregor said the barge meant she could now carry more people than ever across the harbour.

"The bikes go on the barge and the people go on to my boat, which means we can take up to 20 people and 20 bikes at a time.

Kevin Waters, of Otago Moorings, pilots the Bike Barge on its maiden voyage from Port Chalmers to...
Kevin Waters, of Otago Moorings, pilots the Bike Barge on its maiden voyage from Port Chalmers to Portobello yesterday. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON.
"Before that we were taking between 12 and 15 people at a time."

With the Dunedin to Port Chalmers cycleway now open, demand for the ferry had increased.

"We do see more consistent numbers of cyclists coming through," she said.

"I’m expecting we will be busier than we have been in previous years because it is a lot safer now for people to ride the entire loop.

"It’s hard to know where the numbers will go, but we will be ready either way," Ms McGregor said.

 

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