Calls are mounting for the Government to intervene in Fullers ferries after the company again left commuters high and dry.
Hundreds of commuters were left stranded in Devonport on Thursday after what Fullers called a "difficult week operationally" led to the cancellation of early morning services, NZME reports.
- Under-fire ferry operator Fullers meets with critics
- Crowded Waiheke ferries split families at the wharf
Multiple delays and cancellations have led thousands to sign a petition demanding the Transport Minister step in.
Auckland Councillor Chris Darby, one of the organisers, told Newshub people are furious.
"When you're left on the wharf at Waiheke there's no way out, there's no road, there's no alternative whatsoever, people are just shaking their fists, let alone their heads at the peak failure of Fullers."
Waiheke Island local board chair Cath Handley told Newshub in June disruptions to the ferry services have caused major upsets.
"It has massive ramifications - not for the passengers exclusively, but for everybody that is relying on them to be at the other end."
Fullers is Auckland's only public transport exempt from regulatory oversight, which Darby said is causing major issues.
"There are constraints for me as an elected member due to this exempt status, there are constraints for Auckland Transport - there has to be the structural change that is implemented by Government."
He's going to be on Devonport Wharf on Friday morning trying to drum up support for the petition.
Fullers said in June it is committed to cooperating with authorities for an integrated network, before representatives met with Waiheke residents to discuss the troubles.
Newshub.
