Tender released for feasibility study into underground bus mall in Hobart

The State Government is set to take its first steps towards building an underground bus mall in Hobart.

An artist’s impression of the underground bus mall in Elizabeth St, released by the Liberal Party during last year’s election campaign. Picture: Department of State Growth

THE State Government will today take its first steps towards building an underground bus mall in Hobart by releasing tender documents for a feasibility study into its election promise.

Consultants will be invited to tender to assess the technical feasibility and expected costs of building a ground-level, or partially or wholly underground transit centre at lower Elizabeth Street and Franklin Square.

The successful consultancy would be asked to identify the size of the area required for the centre as well as the needs of the hub, including passenger and driver amenities, service information and ticketing facilities, toilets and waiting areas.

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They would also be asked to consider possible complimentary facilities, such as shops and cafes and bicycle parking, and technology that could make the network run more smoothly.

The report would be due by the end of July.

An artist’s impression of the underground bus mall. Picture: Department of State Growth

Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff described the proposed transit centre as a key plank of the Government’s plans to improve transport infrastructure in Hobart.

“We know that part of the challenge to increase the use of public transport is that it must be an attractive and efficient option for commuters,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Part of the new Hobart City Deal, the bus transit centre will deliver a modern transport hub that will cater to predicted growth in demand and emerging technologies over the next 30 years.”

Mr Rockliff said consultation with the Hobart City Council, Metro Tasmania, private bus operators, the Tasmanian Bus Association and the Bicycle Network would form part of the process.

The Liberals pledged to plan, design and develop a new bus transit centre for Hobart ahead of the 2018 state election, floating a possible underground bus mall as a solution to the city’s traffic woes.