More buses, ferries announced to ease Hobart traffic problems

The new Hobart stadium will be serviced by buses as part of a major expansion of public transport announced by the government today.

Member for Franklin Dean Young, Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson and Member for Clark Madeleine Ogilvie at Macquarie Point in Hobart on Monday, May 1, 2023.

An expanded bus network will be used to get people to and from the Macquarie Point Stadium, supplemented by more ferries to meet increasing commuter demand, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson says.

Putting paid the last remaining hopes of a northern suburbs light rail service, Mr Ferguson said the transit corridor along the old rail line would instead by home to Bus Rapid Transit.

A mooted trackless tram has also ruled out, he said.

“Bus Rapid Transit is a high-quality bus-based transport system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services at higher capacities than normal bus services,” Mr Ferguson said.

“It does this through a combination of dedicated infrastructure, such as lane and stations, and fast and frequent operations.

“Combined with investment in active transport corridors to provide more direct and safe links from Hobart’s suburbs to the city, and it is clear our renewed and revitalised transport network will deliver the extra capacity and attractive options to get people to and from the exciting Macquarie Point precinct.”

“Rapid buses are the preferred mode for the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor, from Glenorchy to the City, while a new Bus Transit Centre will be built in Hobart close to both Macquarie Point and the city centre.”

The construction of an underground bus mall in central Hobart within two years was a key Liberal Party promise during the 2018 election campaign. It never proceeded beyond artist’s impressions.

Mr Ferguson said that the government was also looking into 33 possible sites for new ferry terminals to expand the popular Bellerive-Hobart service.

“Last year’s Budget included nearly $19 million over four years to lock in the Bellerive to Hobart service as well as the construction of a floating pontoon at Bellerive and infrastructure to further improve the passenger experience and provide more shelter,” he said.

“The popularity of the ferry service continues to grow with 110,000 passengers in its first year of operation. Such is its success, we have committed to expanding its operational reach which works perfectly with how we plan to expand access to our waterfront and Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Project.

“The fact is, the ferry is such a winner that we announced last year we would expand the service to other locations along the river under a Derwent Ferry Masterplan.”

Labor leader Rebecca White said the announcement was overdue.

“It shouldn’t take building a stadium for the government to finally activating a northern suburbs transit corridor.

“It’s something that’s been talked about for a very long time and there’s been no action taken by the government over 10 years to do anything with that corridor.

“We need to have improved public transport around the major city centres. That’s a no-brainer. “And there should have been much more happening before now. Whether Michael Ferguson wants it to be buses or trains, the communities just want to see something happen.”