Council proposes tourist pass for Hobart offering discount entrances to city’s attractions

A PASS that gives visitors access to Hobart attractions and public transport at discount rates is being mooted under a council plan to make the city a more attractive destination.

Lord Mayor Ron Christie and Chair of City Infrastructure Alderman Helen Burnet talking about the Draft Transport Strategy endorsed by Council last night. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A ONE-STOP-SHOP tourist pass that gives visitors access to Hobart attractions and public transport at discount rates is being mooted under a council plan to make the city a more attractive destination.

Inspired by America’s Citypass card, which operates in cities across the US including New York and San Francisco and offers discounts of up to 42 per cent on its attractions, Hobart City Council has earmarked the potential for a similar card to be implemented here in its transport blueprint for the next decade.

The Draft Transport Strategy, approved to go out for public consultation by the council on Monday, suggests it will “explore the possibilities of a Hobart City Card for tourists and visitors, which could package up city attraction entrance fees, activities provided by City of Hobart”.

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It’s a good idea but it should be statewide. People don’t look at city boundaries when they come here. – TICT CEO Luke Martin

But Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie is thinking bigger and believes the card could incorporate greater Hobart areas such as Glenorchy, Kingborough and Clarence and should be discussed as part of any City Deal.

The card could include attractions such as Mona, Blundstone Arena and Bruny Island, the mayor said, and comprise Metro bus services as part of a package deal.

“Why wouldn’t we incorporate a greater Hobart city card?” Alderman Christie said.

“This strategy is the turning point in transportation history for the city of Hobart.

“What we do now relies on this and we must work with the other councils and the State Government to achieve it.”

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the idea had merit but had to go beyond a local government area.

“It’s a good idea but it should be statewide,” Mr Martin said.

“People don’t look at city boundaries when they come here.”

The blueprint also proposes a private carpark levy on all spots in the city centre to fund pedestrian improvements, a citywide 40km/h speed limit in residential areas and “pricing signals to reduce peak-hour traffic movements”, slated as raising carparking fees during peak hour to encourage drivers to leave their car at home.

This strategy is the turning point in transportation history for the city of Hobart – Lord Mayor Ron Christie

The Draft Transport Strategy is available for public consultation, and Ald Christie hopes other councils have their say on the plan. For more information visit hobartcity.com.au/transportstrategy