Bus services cut in shake-up of public transport routes

Changes to the public transport system sold as “significant improvements” by State Growth have seen a decrease in some bus services.

Bus services to southern Tasmanian towns have undergone a shake-up and many residents aren’t happy. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

CHANGES to Tasmania’s public transport system sold as “significant improvements” by State Growth have seen a decrease in bus services available to people in some southern towns.

Southern Metro bus routes and timetables will change from Sunday after a department-led review of services.

“All bus services in the southern region will be brought under one network, which will make travel simpler and pave the way for the introduction of a single integrated statewide transport network and a common ticketing system,” a State Growth spokeswoman said.

“The changes will deliver an improved public transport network that provides better access to employment, education and services and improves the overall social connectivity of Tasmanians.”

This was disputed by Opposition infrastructure spokesman David O’Byrne, who said he had heard from people and families in areas including Dover, Geeveston, the broader Huon Valley and the Channel, all of whom felt dudded by the planned changes to the network.

“You can’t say there’s been an improvement in services when so many people have contacted me across the state to say that’s been a decrease in services,” Mr O’Byrne said.

David O’Byrne has taken a swipe at the bus service changes. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“At a time when congestion is increasing and you want to encourage people to take public transport, it is clear from the proposed changes we have seen there is a reduction in services and therefore people are opting to go back to their cars. That is not a good result.”

The State Growth spokeswoman confirmed there would be a decrease in services available in some areas but an increase in others.

It was not specified which areas were worst affected but she said there was increased “frequency and span” to major towns outside Hobart.

Nicola Mitchell, of Ranelagh, said changes to Huon Valley services would mean her four-year-old daughter would have to change buses to get to school instead of catching the former direct service when she starts kindergarten.

“Now we’ve got more people down here they want to cut services, it’s ridiculous,” she said.