SkyBus begins operations between Hobart airport and the city centre

A NEW high-frequency airport bus service has begun operation between Hobart airport and the CBD.

Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman, left, with SkyBus chief executive Michael Sewards at the launch of the Hobart service. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

HOBART’S new high-frequency airport shuttle has hit the road.

The Melbourne-based SkyBus service will run a seven-day Hobart timetable between 4.30am and 10pm, with four stops in and out of the city from a hub at the Brooke St Pier.

SkyBus co-chief executive Michael Sewards said Tasmania’s growing tourist numbers, coupled with the existing local market, should make the service a popular one.

“One of the real points of attraction for us is actually for Tasmanian residents to get to the airport,” Mr Sewards said.

“We think there’s a real lack of mass-transit options getting to the airport — especially ones that you can rely upon to get there pretty quickly and for a good price — so we see a real opportunity for growth in the local market,” he said.

Some of Hobart’s new SkyBus fleet serving the city-airport route. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Mr Seward said the former airporter service, with its system of pre-booked seats, was really designed for the hotel market.

He hoped the SkyBus ticketing options of purchasing online or through kiosks and its frequent 30-minute services would encourage more locals to use the buses.

“We’ve brought the prices down [from $21 to $18.50 online], we’ve introduced a kids-travel-free policy, luggage service and a free Wi-Fi service — services that are quite well known and accepted in Melbourne and elsewhere. “

Mr Sewards said SkyBus was already a known brand in Tasmania as 22 per cent of domestic passengers in its Melbourne market were from the state.

Hobart Airport chief executive Sarah Renner said Skybus’s fleet of six buses was a welcome addition to the airport’s services.

“Hobart Airport has gone through incredible growth in recent years, and the provision of this service can only enhance the visitor experience to the state’s capital,” she said.