Shields Ferry

The Shields Ferry operates across the River Tyne between North Shields and South Shields. The service is operated by Nexus (The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive) and is part of the Tyne and Wear Metro System. Known as The Market Place Ferry until takeover by the PTE in 1972.

Although many believe it, The Shields Ferry is not connected in anyway to the nearby Customs House. This may be down to the fact that the establishment offers one-way ticket refunds or simply because of its close proximity.

ervice

There have been ferries across the Tyne since the 14th century, and this is the only service that remains. And in 2008 the South to North Shields ferry appointed its first woman boss Carol Timlin. [cite news
last =
first =
coauthors =
title = Ferry gets first woman boss in 700 years
quote = There has been a ferry service between North Shields and South Shields since 1377, but never has a woman been at the helm. Mrs Timlin, from Gosforth, Newcastle, said: "It's nice to think that I'm the first ever woman to manage the Shields Ferry. It's an historic moment for a service that dates back hundreds of years.
work =
pages =
language =
publisher = South Shields Gazette
date = 2008-08-12
url = http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Ferry-gets-first-woman-boss.4379192.jp
accessdate = 2008-08-16]

The ferry service makes just under 25,000 journeys a year, and carries nearly a million passengers a year. There are two vessels that operate the service, currently; "The Pride of the Tyne" (1993) and "The Spirit of the Tyne" (2007). Usually only one ferry is in operation at a time, although both will be used during peak periods to operate a shuttle service. Also, if "The Pride of the Tyne" is in use of Private Hire/Rivertrip etc. the "Spirit of the Tyne" will operate the standard ferry service. Each trip, the Shields Ferry travels approx. 0.48miles (0.77km) across the river.

Vessels

Freda Cunningham

The "Freda Cunningham" was the first ferry to be commissioned and was in use when the ferry service was called the "Market Place Ferry". This vessel had a county-wide reputation for its poor performance. It was frequently out of service and some even claimed the vessel was haunted because of this. The ferry's name comes from the name of the then mayors wife, Freda Cunningham. It was commissioned in 1972 and sold in 1993 when the Pride of The Tyne came into service.

hieldsman

The "Shieldsman" was built by Hancock Shipbuilders of Pembroke Dock and entered service in 1976. The ferry is double ended, and can operate either way, however they typically work one way, and turn around as part of the crossing over the Tyne. It can carry 350 passengers in public service, or a reduced capacity of 250 on private hire. The "Shieldsman" was retired early in 2007, at the age of 30, to be replaced by the new "The Spirit of the Tyne". Nexus has plans to sell the Shieldsman on internet auction website, ebay. [http://www.shieldsgazette.com/south-shields-news/eBay-auction-for-famous-ferry.3518090.jp]

The Pride of the Tyne

"The Pride of the Tyne" was built by Swan Hunters in nearby Wallsend and entered service in 1993. It was a modified version of the "Shieldsman" and cost £1.5 million. The vessel also has a bar, "The Admirals Locker", that is available on private hire. The vessel was also the first river ferry to incorporate all of the new safety features introduced after the Marchioness disaster in 1989.

The Spirit of the Tyne

A new ferry, "The Spirit of the Tyne", entered service in 2007, replacing the "Shieldsman", which was retired after 30 years. The new ferry is an 'off the shelf' product and differs greatly from the Shieldsman and The Pride of the Tyne.

Landings

outh Shields Ferry Landing

The services uses two landing stages, South Shields Ferry Landing was opened in July 1999 to replace a century old landing. The landing provides three berths as well as an indoor waiting room and offices.

North Shields Ferry Landing

North Shields Ferry Landing was opened in July 2004 providing better accessibility and passenger waiting facilities than its predecessor which was built in a similar style to Tyne and Wear Metro Stations.

Future Landings

Currently, there are plans for a landing stage to be added at Royal Quays International Ferry Terminal but these plans have been on the table for years.

Users

The service is used by many commuters mainly from North Tyneside and South Tyneside. The service provides a viable alternative to travelling via Newcastle city centre on the Tyne and Wear Metro or the Tyne Tunnel. The Shields Ferry can be used by cyclists and is part of the National Cycle Network. All of the vessels in service with Nexus can carry wheelchairs.

Ticketing

Because Shields Ferry is operated by Nexus which also operate the Tyne and Wear Metro, ticketing is integrated with the Metro ticketing system. Metro passes and tickets are valid on the Ferry as well as Tyne and Wear Network Tickets and Day Rovers. New style Transfare tickets can be purchased allowing one-way travel on Shields Ferry and either a bus or Metro. Tickets are purchased when boarding the ferry.

References

External links

[http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Ferry Nexus Information Page]
[http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb12af4eed814a6/FerryWinterTimetable2006web.pdf Ferry timetable PDF]