Metro Tasmania launches revamped timetable in fresh bid for improved service
THE biggest revamp of Metro services in three decades offers more frequent services, better timetables and more express trips on key routes.
Tasmania
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BUS passengers have been promised more frequent services, better weekend and evening timetables and more express trips on key routes in the biggest revamp of Metro services in three decades.
Metro Tasmania will today unveil what it is describing as a “faster, smarter and easier” Hobart bus network to cater for a modern capital city.
The new timetable – which has been established after the most comprehensive review in 30 years – will begin on January 10 next year.
The new service will mean route variations will be more than halved from about 187 routes and variations to about 77.
But the company says resources will be used more efficiently to provide more frequent buses on more direct routes instead of under-patronised less-frequent services.
Metro Tasmania chief executive Stuart Wiggins said the new network was more efficient by offering more direct and express services, better connections at main interchanges and increased weekend services in some areas.
Metro has used the success of a Turn Up and Go service between Glenorchy and Hobart as a catalyst for a similar service between Howrah, Rosny Park and the Hobart CBD.
The service involves buses travelling along a route at 10-minute intervals.
Last financial year there were 7.9 million boardings across the Metro network and the Hobart/Glenorchy Turn Up and Go service registered an increase of about 9 per cent.
Other key components of the new service include:
UPDATED easy to read maps and timetables created in consultation with adult numeracy literacy educators 26 TEN.
MORE frequent express services on key routes, including Bridgewater.
NEW direct routes from Glenorchy, Hobart City and the Eastern Shore to Sandy Bay UTAS.
AN expanded and more efficient network servicing new areas of Summerleas in Kingston and Oakdowns and Camelot Park on the Eastern Shore.
BETTER connections at main interchanges.
ADDITIONAL evening and weekend services.
MORE frequent and regular services, including servicing UTAS all year instead of during semester.
Mr Wiggins said the timetable struck the right balance.
“We received hundreds of submissions and were pleased to find that close to 75 per cent of respondents were either supportive or not affected by the changes,” he said.
“This tells us we have got it right and the modernised network suits Hobart’s needs.
“Metro needs to ensure we maximise our resources to benefit Hobart as a whole and so we are pleased that the new network allows us to service new areas.
“We encourage customers to take a look at new timetables and plan their travel on the new network.
“Metro representatives will be out assisting customers in the lead up to the changes.”
matthew.smith@news.com.au
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