Need for tram?

I recently heard some commuters on the Central Coast line discussing the Fast Ferry from Ettalong to the Sydney CBD.

Someone suggested that the project would not work effectively without a 'light rail' link between Ettalong, Umina Beach and Woy Woy.

The thought was that Woy Woy is the real transport hub of the Peninsula and indeed linked onto Gosford.

All the busses throughout the Woy Woy Peninsula do connect at Woy Woy rail station. However, the waters near Woy Woy are unsuitable for a large passenger ferry due to environmental concerns.

So, the theory goes that if a major ferry link with Sydney were to be established at Ettalong, a reliable and high capacity link would need to be made to Woy Woy and that would be an energy (and greenhouse) efficient electric light rail or tram service.

Who would run and finance the Ettalong Tram Service?

Perhaps, a private group of companies supported by State or Commonwealth money?

Do we really need a ferry?

If so, do we then need a light rail link?

Would such a project need to be constructed soon to cater for the infrastructure needs of a growing community as suggested by the Australian Government recently?

These and many more environmental and community questions need to be asked and considered before too long.

Email, 4 Mar 2010 Paul Ward, Umina