The first year of privatised ferries has resulted in cancellations, collisions and soaring prices, despite an O'Farrell government promise that ferry services would improve.

Ferry cancellations rose 25 per cent and by 50 per cent when bad weather was excluded after Harbour City Ferries took over a year ago, government figures show. The Manly route, which carries 40 per cent of all ferry passengers, has been the worst hit by falling performance.

Troubled: Standards have dropped on Manly services. Credit:James Alcock

Adding to frustration for Manly commuters, passengers on this route face a 39 per cent price rise from September, with weekly tickets costing an extra $884 a year.

Manly cancellations adjusting for bad weather have leapt 73 per cent, and delays have increased a third. Passengers have voted with their feet, as numbers fell 13,980 compared with the previous year.