SLEEK TRANSPORT: Mike Jessop of Caloundra with the new boat he will use to
ferry passengers around the Sunshine Coast.
By
ALLISON BANNAN
abannan@scnews.com.au
A new era in Sunshine Coast water travel sets sail from Mooloolaba today in the form of a 12 seater taxi boat, with plans already underway to expand services to Brisbane later this year.
The Caloundra City Hog, an Ocean Craft 5200 Chinook, would be based in the Mooloolaba area and offer peak-hour commuters, surfers and general day trippers a quick and easy travel alternative.
The water taxi fleet, operated by Caloundra City Hog Ferry Company, would eventually expand to five boats to travel from Mooloolaba to Caloundra, Bribie Island and Brisbane "in the next few months", marketing manager Mike Jessop said yesterday.
"Just like a taxi, people can ring up wherever they are on Mooloolah River if they are on a public or private jetty, or on the beach, " Mr Jessop said.
"This is especially great for people in Buddina or Point Cartwright, who just need to get over the river to get to work.
"We can also go 15 nautical miles out to sea, so we can even take surfers out to the ocean."
Mr Jessop said that while operating times were still being finalised, services were expected to run every day from 6am to 10pm.
A typical fare would cost about $5.
Mr Jessop unveiled the Hog at the Australia Outrigger Championships on Saturday, where the craft was used as one of the safety boats.
The Mooloolaba-based water taxi service kicks off from today, and bookings can be made by phoning 0405 506 481
SUNSHINE COAST DAILY,
Ocean Craft - the only boat you'll ever need
Monday, May 5, 2003.
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