Fast track River Derwent ferry service to ease congestion and create jobs, says RACT

There is no reason a peak hour ferry service on the River Derwent could not be fast tracked, says the RACT.

THE River Derwent ferry service needs to be fast tracked before traffic congestion returns to pre-COVID-19 levels, says the RACT.

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The peak motoring body called on the State Government to bring the promised infrastructure project forward to both ease congestion and to create jobs during the rebuilding of the economy.

RACT executive general manager of membership and community Stacey Pennicott said there was “absolutely no reason why the ferry service could not be fast tracked”.

Stacey Pennicott RACT Executive General Manager, Membership and Community. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Our roads have been relatively quiet during the COVID-19 lockdown, but with thousands of kids heading back to school and more parents returning to work as a result, we’re going to see a spike in vehicle numbers on the roads,” she said.

“It won’t take long for traffic congestion to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

“The government promised a Derwent River ferry service at the last state election and it’s time they delivered.”

Clarence City Council Alderman Brendan Blomeley is calling for a Derwent ferry service using the Mona ferries. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Clarence City Council Alderman Brendan Blomeley said he had spoken to the owners of the Mona catamarans and a peak hour ferry service between Bellerive and the Brooke Street Pier was possible to begin “as soon as tomorrow.”

The RACT has also recently called for the fast-tracking of the Hobart Airport roundabout upgrade and a park and ride facility at Huntingfield.

The State Government has been contacted for comment.