My Fast Ferry

Manly Fast ferry in Manly Cove

Since January 1965, the Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company and its successors had operated high speed hydrofoil and later JetCat services between Circular Quay and Manly.[1]

In December 2008, the New South Wales State Government, decided the Sydney Ferries JetCat service would cease and called for tenders to operate the service on a commercial basis.[2]

Bass & Flinders Cruises trading as Manly Fast Ferry commenced operating the service on 10 February 2009 on an interim basis until March 2010.[3]

On 1 April 2010, Sydney Fast Ferries commenced a five-year franchise to operate the service.[4][5] The service only operates during peak-hour on weekdays.[6] However Manly Fast Ferry continued to operate services between Circular Quay Wharf 6 and Manly East Pier via Taronga Zoo and Watsons Bay.[7]

In July 2014, expressions of interest were sought for the next franchise with Bass & Flinders Cruises, SeaLink Travel Group, Sydney Fast Ferries and Transit Systems responding.[8][9][10] In December 2014, the franchise was awarded to Bass & Flinders Cruises.[11][12]

Operations commenced on 1 April 2015 with three existing vessels from Bass & Flinders fleet along with two leased vessels. Four new Incat built vessels were delivered by the end of 2015, two were 24 metres long and two were 33 metres.[13][14][15] In 2017 the company ordered a third 33-metre fast ferry from Incat's Hobart shipyard.[16]

Bass & Flinders also operate an Eco Hopper tourist hop on/hop off service around Sydney Harbour from Darling Harbour to Manly calling at nine locations.[17] but by 2018 this name was no longer used.

In September 2017 Bass & Flinders was renamed Manly Fast Ferry and commenced trading as My Fast Ferry.[18][19]

In December 2017 the business was purchased by the NRMA.[20] In October 2018 Fantasea Cruising was also taken over by the NRMA with 10 ferries and 10 water taxis on Sydney Harbour and Pittwater.[21][22] It continues to trade under its existing brand.