kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus company tests all-weather vehicle in snowy conditions

The operators of an all-weather bus that can run the Mt Wellington roadblock has used the snowy weather to test its capabilities. Find out when it could start taking passengers up the mountain.

One of the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus Company vehicles that will enter service soon. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

THE long-awaited all-weather bus that can run the Mt Wellington roadblock could start taking passengers within a fortnight.

Those wanting to make it the summit on Wednesday to catch the first significant snowfall of the year were forced to hike from The Springs with the wintry blast closing Pinnacle Rd for the entire day.

The kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus Company used the conditions to test their purpose-built vehicle that will be able to take travellers past the council roadblock.

The company is expected to complete another run on Thursday to familiarise drivers with the route and the snow and icy conditions.

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It’s hoped the purpose-built service will be able to carry passengers in two weeks after it gains a permit to operate from the Wellington Park Management Trust.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said safety was the number one priority when closing the road.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“Everybody understands that transport to the mountain is an important strategic issue for Hobart, and Tasmania generally, as it is the most highly visited natural site in the state,” Councillor Reynolds said.

“This new service will provide safe access to people above our road closure.”

She said the service had started small and not a huge number of people were able to be transported up the mountain at this stage.

“But if the model works and the community embrace it, it may be that the private operator is able to add more services, which would be a positive for the city,” Cr Reynolds said.

The company’s website says the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus tour would still proceed along Pinnacle Rd if the road was closed provided it was safe to do so.

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The winter timetable from May to September operates three return journeys up and down the mountain between 9.20am and 4.35pm.

A two-hour return trip costs $35 and a one-way pass is $25. Passengers can hop-on and hop-off at five different stops in Wellington Park, although some may be inaccessible on snow days.

The company has been awarded a five-year contract.

Hikers who made it to the summit on Wednesday shivered through a maximum temperature of -2C. It is expected to reach 3C on Thursday with snow falling down to 700m.

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