Did you know that Brisbane is about to get a brand new double-decker CityCat? Yes that’s right a two storey CityCat, to be known as CityCat22, will be joining the existing fleet and cruising the Brisbane River before Christmas.
CityCat22 is equipped to carry over 160 passengers including upper deck seating for 20 passengers as well as rear deck seating and an open front deck plus the main deck has an increased accessibility area, added table and lounge seating are a new feature as well as ceiling to floor window views and not to forget the inclusion of a perspex railing on the main deck to maximise river views.
Image courtesy of Brisbane Times
The new CityCat will join the Council’s current fleet of 21 Cats and will cruise the existing river route from St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton. CiyCat stops are perfectly positioned to take advantage of Brisbane’s lifestyle and dining precincts with plans announced recently to construct a stop at the new Howard Smith Wharves development.
Northshore CityCat stop is the ideal location to disembark and dine at Eat Street Markets or check out the new Hamilton Reach precinct and if you keep travelling downstream to either Bulimba or Hawthorne you can explore the Oxford Street, Bulimba shopping strip or admire the beautiful homes of Hawthorne. Edgeing closer to the city, New Farm is the stop to explore Brisbane’s iconic New Farm Park and smell the roses or catch a show at the Brisbane Powerhouse while Eagle Street Pier stop delivers you directly to the doorstep of Brisbane’s dining scene. South Bank stop transports you to Brisbane’s largest parkland playground and if you choose to stay on board and continue to cruise downstream and before you know it you’re at St Lucia stop, the home of the University of Queensland.
Image courtesy of Brisbane Times
Council’s priority is to get workers home quicker and safer and to give us more choice when it comes to transport travel, so to deliver on these priorities they have committed $30 million for another six double-decker CityCat’s to be built over the next four years and believe that this newest addition is the first step in evolving river travel for residents and visitors ensuring that passenger comfort is the key to a pleasant experience.
Not only is an enjoyable and safe experience important to Council they are also equipping the new CityCats with USB charging ports within the table and lounge seating in the main deck so you can now cruise along the river while your device powers, letting you spend travel time enjoying the views of Brisbane. Other features include – free WIFI, hearing augmentation loops, 6 wheelchair and mobility scooter areas, lower windows in sections of the main cabin, allowing passengers in mobility devices and children to enjoy the view and space for 10 bikes.
Services begin in November 2019 so keep an eye out on the river. I’ll be enjoying a ride on the new CityCat on Wednesday so I’ll fill you on all the details after my ride.
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