Roches Brothers to operate cross-Derwent ferry service, trips free for Metro card holders, cyclists
A long-awaited cross-Derwent ferry service will begin between the Eastern Shore and Hobart soon — and the government has now revealed how you can travel on the service for free. DETAILS >>
Tasmania
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- Derwent ferry service is on the way, Minister tells parliament
- Hobart to Eastern Shore ferry could be up and running next month
THE long-awaited cross-Derwent ferry service will begin operation “shortly” and will be free for Metro card holders and cyclists, Transport Minister Michael Ferguson says.
Mr Ferguson announced in parliament today that private operators Roche Brothers had been selected as the operator of the Bellerive-Hobart peak-hour weekday only service.
The company operates the popular ferry service to Mona and tourist services at Port Arthur.
Mr Ferguson said that the one-year trial of peak-hour services would begin by mid-year and the expected journey time would be 20 to 25 minutes.
“The service will offer a fast and convenient option between the Eastern Shore and the city,” he said.
“It is anticipated the trial will begin in the first half of this year, and will operate during weekday peak travel periods.
“The trial service will be free to commuters who have a Metro Tasmania Greencard or are travelling with a bicycle.”
There will be no additional parking provided at Bellerive, with the emphasis on people arriving on foot, by bicycle or being dropped off and picked up. The service will use a single ferry and existing infrastructure at both ends of the journey.
It's great to see that Roche Brothers have been chosen to operate the new Derwent River ferry service when it's up and running in the first half of this year.
— RACT (@RACTOfficial) March 25, 2021
The ferry is a key action in our Greater Hobart Mobility Vision and will help ease congestion across the city. #politaspic.twitter.com/OfTC2G2WF6
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds welcomed the announcement. “I think this is a really great deal for Hobart commuters, the opportunity to travel on our beautiful river and to avoid some of the congestion and to be able to do that for free,” she said. “I’m really confident that people will, will really grab this opportunity.”
Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman said in addition to reducing congestion, the ferries could bring more visitors to Bellerive.
“We’re also hopeful of course that it opens up the opportunity for people on the western shore to come and visit the Eastern Shore,’’ he said.
Bicycle Network Tasmania welcomed the ferries as an alternative to the steep and narrow cycleway on the Tasman Bridge. “A ferry will be a great stopgap for those people until the better paths on the bridge are built and for others it may mean a shorter trip than going over the bridge,” she said. “The ideal ferry design will allow people to easily roll their bike on and off to cater for heavier e-bikes, cargo bikes, bikes with child seats and for those people who have trouble lifting a bike.”
The service will operate as a trial for one year.
EARLIER: A long-awaited cross-Derwent ferry service will begin operation shortly and will be free for Metro card holders and cyclists, the government says.
Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson announced in state parliament today private operators Roche Brothers had been selected as the operator of the Bellerive-Hobart service.
The company operates the popular ferry service to Mona and tourist services at Port Arthur.
Independent member for Clark Madeleine Ogilvie continued to pursue the government over ongoing traffic congestion in her electorate in parliament today — saying alternatives were needed to car travel.
Mr Ferguson said that the one-year trial of peak-hour services would begin soon and the expected journey time would be 25 to 30 minutes.
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