RACT pulls pin on free buses to Blundstone Arena AFL games

THE RACT has pulled its sponsorship of free buses to AFL and Big Bash League games at Blundstone Arena following a wave of complaints about the service.

Richmond and North Melbourne supporters wait for buses in the Hobart bus mall to head to the big clash at Blundstone Arena last season. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

THE RACT has pulled its sponsorship of free buses to AFL and Big Bash League games at Blundstone Arena following a wave of complaints about the service.

The motoring, insurance and tourism organisation has dropped North Melbourne’s three games at the venue next year after previously deciding against renewing a deal for Hobart Hurricanes matches.

Local and interstate footy fans told the Sunday Tasmanian in August of hour-long ­delays, and residents have long complained about safety.

RACT membership and community manager Stacey Pennicott said the decision had been made for commercial reasons.

“We’re aware that there are actually traffic issues in relation to games held at Blundstone Arena but our decision was actually a commercial-based decision,” Ms Pennicott said.

Ms Pennicott said sponsorship agreements were reviewed by the organisation annually.

Under the agreement, RACT sponsored the Kangaroos, with the money used to contract Metro Tasmania buses.

The decision not to renew leaves the Right Royal Coach services from Kingston, Claremont, Bridgewater and the Hobart CBD up in the air.

The deal was an unusual one in the AFL, with clubs generally not expected to provide public transport to games.

North Melbourne chief executive Carl Dilena said the club had only recently been informed of the decision.

“We’ll work closely with Blundstone Arena management and the Government regarding transport options for all our Hobart games in 2017,” Mr Dilena said.

Cricket Tasmania has contracted Redline Coaches to provide shuttles to this week’s Test match between Australia and South Africa at Bellerive.

Blundstone Arena manager Stephen McMullen said buses would also be provided for the Hurricanes’ four games from next month.

“We are working with stakeholders to look at transport options,” Mr McMullen said.

Metro would discuss ­options with North Melbourne in coming months, a spokesman said.

Originally published as RACT pulls pin on free buses to Blundstone Arena AFL games