In late November 2014 tenders were called for the construction of six new ferries. The Ministerial press release said that the vessels are an updated First Fleet design, will look similar to the First Fleet vessels, but will have a top deck outdoor viewing area. According to the Minister 'Each ferry will carry up to 400 passengers and some of the great new features include around 90 more seats than the current First Fleet vessels, two wide walk-around decks, Wi-Fi access and realtime journey information.' The new vessels will be the first built and acquired for the fleet since the four SuperCats were acquired in 2000 and 2001. The new vessels will operate on inner harbour routes from Watsons Bay to Cockatoo Island. The Minister said the Government is continuing to look at options to serve the Parramatta River. Manly Fast Ferry, MFF, one of the two current operators of fast ferry services to Manly, has been awarded the new contract to run the service from 1 April. Details of the contract include lower fares, more services during the week than both current providers combined, and double the service on weekends. The cost of an adult multi ride ticket during the peaks will drop to between $6.40 and $6.80, $2.60 lower than the current fare of one operator, and up to $1.10 cheaper than the other. The number of services will increase to 538 per week, compared to 420 with both operators. This includes service levels increasing on weekdays to 450 per week, up from 380 now. Daily trips at the weekend will increase to 22 each way.
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