Two Greater Hobart mayors say the city’s public transport system needs addressing

If mayor Kristie Johnston had followed the directions of a bus transport app, her usual 5-minute Glenorchy drive would mean an overnight bus trip for an 8.30am start at Chambers.

Hobart mayor Anna Reynolds and Glenorchy mayor Kristie Johnston are this month ditching car travel in favour of public transport to encourage the uptake of bus travel. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

AN initiative which was meant to promote the benefits of bus travel has instead underlined Hobart’s public transport woes for two Greater Hobart mayors.

Hobart mayor Anna Reynolds and Glenorchy mayor Kristie Johnston are this month ditching car travel in favour of public transport to encourage the uptake of bus travel.

Cr Reynolds, who turned down her council-chauffeured car upon election, said “the bus challenge” – now at its halfway mark – had provided her with a first-hand look into Hobart’s public transport problems.

“Taking a few more journeys than normal has given me more insight into the ups and downs of using public transport and the challenges we currently face in Hobart,” she said.

“There are issues that stem from the low level of funding for public transport in Tasmania and my fellow passengers have been letting me know about some of the issues.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the State Government provides $101 million annually to subsidise public and school bus services around Tasmania – a figure Cr Reynolds said wasn’t enough.

“It seems many peak-hour services are very crowded, and in particular school buses where a worrying number of passengers are standing,” she said.

“I would love to see a boost in funding for Hobart buses in the next state budget so there are more services to and from work and school.”

Metro bus driver Andrew Wiggins, Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnson, Associate Professor Verity Cleland and Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds on a Metro bus at Moonah. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Cr Johnston said her experience had highlighted public transport challenges in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

“On the first day of the challenge, I wanted to catch a bus from my home in Glenorchy to Council Chambers on a Saturday morning. I needed to be at Chambers by 8:30am. According to my journey planner app I needed to leave home the night before to get there on time the next day,” she said.

“It made me wonder how those who work in retail or shift work might struggle to use public transport if their travel needs are not during ‘regular working hours’, or those with more complex travel routes.

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“If we truly want to see a change in travel behaviour, public transport providers needs to recognise that contemporary work hours are no longer 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, and more importantly funding for service providers needs to be increased to accommodate this.”

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It comes as the State Government for the third straight year introduced free Greater Hobart February bus travel for passengers travelling before 7am – an initiative Mr Ferguson said had increased patronage and resulted in fewer reported instances of services reaching capacity.

“We are taking a multi-pronged approach to incentivise public transport, including options such as transit lanes, and park and ride to support further take-up of public transport and ease traffic congestion,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The Government provides substantial subsidies to support travellers while maintaining a sustainable public transport system and responsible financial administration.”

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