SEALINK have increased the number of ferries servicing the bay islands but a Macleay Island man says passenger waiting times are beginning to mount as coronavirus restrictions ease and people return to work.
Michael Gemzik said he had arrived late to his workplace on the mainland twice this month because there had been long delays while waiting for a ferry.
He said the number of people travelling during peak hour in the morning far exceeded the current 60-person capacity of SeaLink ferries.
"In the past, when everything slowed down and shut down, it was fine," he said. "There was plenty of room because there was just essential workers.
"I had to call my boss two days in a row to say that they wouldn't let us on the ferry and obviously people are a bit angry about that.
"The people who run the service are really trying. This is something that is sort of evolving.
"They have put on extra boats but more people are starting to go back to work and with the number of people allowed on the ferries, it is starting to cause a few issues in the morning."
A SeaLink spokesman said the number of people currently allowed on board ferries to the bay islands was less than a third of normal capacity.
He said the company would continue to follow the state and federal government's travel advice and provide information about social distancing guidelines on their website and vessels.
Mr Gemzik said he had not expected the number of passengers to increase so quickly because there had been no more than 10 to 15 people on board at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
He wants people who are travelling during the morning peak for non-essential reasons like shopping to board at another time.
"I'm thinking about taking things into my own hands by putting a polite notice up saying that if you don't need to go shopping during peak work travel hours, please do it at a different time," Mr Gemzik said.
"I had a quick chat to people while we were waiting for the next boat and they said they didn't care what time they got home.
"You don't get fired for coming home late but you need to get to work on time.
"They would be better off putting extra boats on in the morning and getting people to work.
"If you miss a boat to get home nobody will really care."
SeaLink has already added additional services to the bay islands timetable.
Mr Gemzik has been arriving at the jetty earlier to ensure he arrives at work on time.
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