RiverCat Replacement Project
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) needed to progress the replacement of the ageing RiverCat vessels used on the Parramatta River. The vessels had reached the end of their economic life, did not comply with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT), and no longer met customer expectations.
RPS worked with an integrated project team from TfNSW and Incat Crowther to deliver the Final Business Case for replacing the RiverCat vessels with new Parramatta River Class ferries.
Delivered between July and October 2022, RPS’ role included business case leadership and development, economic and financial appraisal, cost advisory, delivery strategy assessment and assurance support. The project value is confidential.
The challenge
TfNSW needed to make a timely investment decision about a ferry fleet that was nearing the end of its useful operating life. Delays risked extending reliance on older vessels and increasing the need for costly maintenance before new ferries could be procured.
The business case also needed to respond to several connected priorities: accessibility, customer expectations, operational reliability, whole-of-life cost, procurement timing and delivery risk. These inputs had to be brought together quickly in a format that would support decision-making and move efficiently through assurance.
The replacement project was approved by the NSW Government in 2022, supporting the transition to a more modern ferry fleet for the Parramatta River. The Parramatta River Class ferries are designed to carry 200 passengers, use 40 per cent less diesel and allow future conversion to zero emissions propulsion when the technology and network infrastructure are available.
Our approach
RPS led development of the Final Business Case, working closely with TfNSW and Incat Crowther to align technical, commercial and delivery inputs. The team helped structure the evidence needed to support the investment decision while maintaining momentum within a compressed timeframe.
RPS provided economic and financial appraisal, developed project cost estimates, assessed delivery strategy options and supported assurance. This helped TfNSW test the value, affordability and deliverability of the proposed replacement program before moving into procurement.
Throughout the engagement, RPS focused on producing a clear, well-evidenced business case that could move through assurance with minimal change. This gave TfNSW a stronger basis for progressing procurement within the required time and budget constraints.
The result
RPS delivered the Final Business Case within the required timeframe and to a high standard. The business case required minimal changes through assurance, helping TfNSW progress procurement before undertaking costly maintenance work on the older vessels.
The project helped establish a clear investment and delivery pathway for the Parramatta River Class ferries. Seven new vessels are gradually replacing the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels, which are retiring after 30 years of service.
For ferry customers, the replacement program supports a more modern, reliable and accessible service on the Parramatta River. For TfNSW, it demonstrates how focused business case development, appraisal and assurance support can help progress time-sensitive investment decisions for critical public transport assets.
