Buses still not using new Kingston bus interchange seven months after it was built

It cost the state government $300,000 to build but this key piece of public transport infrastructure still hasn’t been used seven months after being built. The latest in the bus debacle. >>

Mayor of Kingborough Paula Wriedt. Picture: Linda Higginson

The main street in Kingston remains empty of buses seven months after the state government identified “issues” with a key new piece of transport infrastructure on the busy CBD strip.

The $300,000 bus interchange, funded by the Rockliff government under the Hobart City Deal and delivered by the Kingborough Council, was intended to help ease traffic congestion but still hasn’t been used since it was completed in January.

The interchange, located on the corner of Channel Highway and Goshawk Way, was supposed to free up parking and improve the driving experience for motorists in the area by providing a dedicated stop for Hobart-bound buses, at a slight remove from the main street.

The empty bus interchange in Kingston. Picture: Linda Higginson

The Mercury revealed in June that vehicle testing upon completion of the interchange highlighted several issues that needed to be addressed, with the Department of State Growth saying this was necessary to “ensure the facility is safe, accessible, and fit-for-purpose prior to commencing operations”.

Instead of catching public transport on the main street, Kingston commuters are currently hopping on buses at Goshawk Way.

Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt has said the council is “disappointed” that the new interchange hasn’t been used to date.

Council representatives met with State Growth and bus operators earlier this month to “identify workable solutions for the Kingston bus interchange”, the Mayor said.

Goshawk Way, where there is a temporary bus interchange at Kingston. Picture: Linda Higginson

“Work will continue with our stakeholders on the proposed alterations and once all stakeholders agree to the changes, council will progress the work required to get the buses back to the main street,” Ms Wriedt said.

“Regular updates will be available on the council website.”

According to a State Growth spokesman, these discussions were occurring “to assist council in progressing further works” for the interchange.

“These discussions will determine the full scope of work that council will be required to undertake, including indicative project time frames and costs,” he said.

Originally published as Buses still not using new Kingston bus interchange seven months after it was built