An RTA spokesperson said part of the review would be undertaken by independent consultants, to ensure community issues are incorporated in the assessment.

“The Wymah Ferry is a public transport service provided to the community by the RTA and run by a contractor, selected through a public tender process,” the spokesperson said.

“It is important the public consultation is conducted by independent consultants to ensure the feedback is balanced and relevant.

“The review will look at the viability of the service, which has experienced low passenger numbers over the past few years.

“It will also investigate ways the service can be improved to increase patronage and the impact it has on the community when out of operation.

“The community will be able to share their views through meetings, correspondence and interviews. 

“The feedback from these sessions will form an important part of the process, particularly on operational topics such as the selection and advertisement of operating times.

“The review is expected take approximately three months, with recommendations completed by late 2008,” the spokesperson said.

The Wymah Ferry is jointly funded by the NSW and Victorian Governments under the Murray River Crossings Agreement.  This agreement covers all public bridges which cross the Murray River, including the Wymah Ferry and Speewa Ferry near Swan Hill.