COMMUTERS and visitors heading to Coochiemudlo Island are now able to tap on and travel seamlessly, with the island’s passenger ferry officially joining the TransLink network from Monday
The move means passengers using the service – operated by Amity Trader – are now able to pay using a go card or contactless payment, while benefiting from fully integrated fares across South East Queensland.
Under the change, travellers can transfer between ferries, buses and trains under a single ticket, with the popular 50-cent fare applying across the journey.
Transport authorities say the integration will also give passengers access to TransLink’s 24/7 customer contact centre, as well as real-time journey planning tools and service updates through its website and app.
Importantly, there will be no changes to the existing ferry timetable, with services continuing to run as normal.
The upgrade is expected to make travel to and from the island easier and more convenient, particularly for commuters connecting to the broader South East Queensland transport network.
The announcement sparked a mix of excitement, questions and ongoing frustrations among locals online.
Ash Kuss welcomed the move but questioned the timing: “This is a positive step in the right direction. The question is why did it take so long though?”
Dillon Turnbull said the change should be just the beginning: “Fantastic news. Next up is Stradbroke Island ferries including the independent ones.”
Others quickly turned to practical concerns.
Chris Lucas asked: “Are bikes – non-electric – allowed on the Coochie ferry?” before being told by another resident they must instead travel on the vehicle barge.
Billee-jo Finlay said the changes did not address family transport challenges.
“Still can’t take my beach wagon with my grandkids and all their belongings over for the day,” she wrote, sparking debate about barge access, safety and costs.
Questions were also raised about rules and enforcement under the new system.
Jennie Duke asked: “Does that mean dogs now have to be muzzled to travel on the ferry?” with other residents noting muzzling requirements have long existed but enforcement has varied.
Not everyone was convinced the change would be significant.
And in true island fashion, some were already thinking bigger picture with one commenter bluntly stating: “Build the bridge.”
