1991: Conception of the Rivercats

Rivercat Nicole Livingstone in action on the Parramatta River. Taken by the Author (2022)

Last year saw the commencement of the retirement of the Rivercat ferry fleet on Sydney Harbour. It commenced with Betty Cuthbert, followed by Evonne Goolagong and Nicole Livingstone. Only four Rivercat ferries remain, with the new Parramatta Class ferries being introduced into service.

In 1991, Transport Minister Bruce Baird announced that seven Rivercats would be built, providing seating for 150 people. This would also enable the extension of ferry services to Parramatta, which commenced in 1993.

 

Source: Anon. 1991. "Higher". The Daily Telegraph Mirror., May 11: 4. 

At the time, ferry services on the Parramatta River were operated by First Fleet class ferries. The new Rivercats promised commuters faster trips along the Parramatta River. Express ferries from Parramatta to Circular Quay, stopping only at Rydalmere, would only take fifty minutes to complete the journey.

The NSW Government followed through, with seven Rivercats entering service between 1992 and 1995, ultimately having a capacity of 230 people.

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1993: Rivercat Services to Parramatta Commence