Cat in the hat: Why commuters on Brisbane’s latest ferry have it made in the shade
Brisbane’s newest double-decker CityCat has added some welcome relief from the sun for commuters on the ferry’s upper deck.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the newest member of the fleet, the 26th CityCat for Brisbane, will be the fifth double-decker CityCat and will trial a new shade system providing sun protection.
“The new double-decker CityCat will follow the tradition of naming ferries after Aboriginal place names and today we have christened CityCat26 as Mooroolbin II translating to Hamilton sandbank,” Schrinner said.
“It’s a long-standing tradition that we christen our new vessels before they launch to bring good luck, and it’s extremely special to have Brisbane Lions player Ally Anderson christen Mooroolbin II, as she is not only a local sporting identity but also a Ghungalu woman.”
“I’m so pleased to be adding to our fleet with the arrival of our latest fifth Next Generation CityCat, to include a trial an upper deck shade sail,” he said.
“We are always looking to improve public transport for our residents and visitors and the inclusion of this shade sail on the upper deck will protect our customers from the sun, while still allowing them to enjoy being outdoors on the river.”
Schrinner said CityCats were an extremely popular transport option and had been a feature of the Brisbane River for more than 25 years. The new vessel was Brisbane-built and will replace a ferry lost in the Brisbane floods earlier this year.
Construction of the next double-decker CityCat is now underway and due for completion in late 2022.
Mooroolbin II is 27.2 metres long and has all the same amenities as its ‘sister’ double-decker vessels, Yoogera, Neville Bonner, Mianjin II and Barrambin II.
It is the first Next Generation CityCat to trial upper deck shade sails and will carry 170 passengers, with seating for 20 passengers on the upper deck.
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Passengers in mobility devices and children will be able to enjoy better views of the Brisbane River with a clear viewing pane below the handrail on the open front deck and enlarged windows in the main cabin.
Commuters can charge on the go, with USB device charging points fitted on-board.
The main cabin will include table and lounge seating options.
