Metro launches free ride push to reduce back-to-school traffic congestion

WHO said there’s no such thing as a free ride? As students prepare for the new school year, Metro is offering free bus travel to Hobart commuters.

WHO said there’s no such thing as a free ride?

As students prepare for the new school year, Metro is offering free bus travel to Hobart commuters.

In an effort to alleviate back-to-school traffic congestion, commuters in urban Hobart will be able to travel for free on Metro buses before 7am on business days from January 29 to February 23.

Metro chief executive officer Megan Morse said the initiative aimed to reduce the impact of congestion on Metro service reliability and the city centre.

“We know to expect congestion at this time of year, so we’re doing something about it,” she said.

“Metro services experience a highly concentrated peak period that mirrors wider Hobart travel patterns with considerable capacity available on either side of the rush.”

Ms Morse said the free travel incentive would benefit existing and new Metro customers, as well as the wider road network.

“We anticipate that customers who take up this offer may consequently travel earlier in the afternoon as well, leading to improved capacity on peak evening services.

“We understand that not everyone’s travel needs are flexible, but urge those who can make the switch to catching the bus or boarding an earlier service to do so.”

Last year the promotion resulted in a 14 per cent increase in bus users on included services and fewer reported full buses later in the morning peak.

Ms Morse said other ways to avoid contributing to heavy traffic caused by single car occupancy include active transport, flexible working hours and carpooling.

For details, timetables and more information, visit www.metrotas.com.au or call 13 22 01.