Hobart has experienced a once-in-a-generation economic and population boom as a result of the hard work of the Tasmanian Liberal Government and the business community.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said it’s clear that our long-term plan is working – delivering confidence, jobs, and a brighter future for every Tasmanian.
“Because of this growth we’ve developed plans to modernise Hobart’s urban transit system to maintain our liveability, and to support our community and businesses to thrive even further,” he said.
“The Keeping Hobart Moving strategy outlines our long-term vision for transport and shows how the vast range of transport initiatives will interconnect.
“It’s an aspirational plan – one that sets us on the path to a contemporary and exciting transport network, making the most of our river, roads and bridges to provide commuters with an attractive alternative to private car use.
“The next decade and beyond will see transport and infrastructure changes across Hobart like we’ve never experienced before, including new Derwent ferry terminals and routes, a new integrated rapid bus network and new and enhanced active transport options. We need to see the other levels of Government play their part, especially in the area of funding as the plan is locked in and progressively costed.
“The Keeping Hobart Moving plan will see unprecedented action in active transport, providing more direct and safe links from Hobart’s suburbs to the city for walking, bike riding, running and using scooters.
“It will be on a scale never seen before, and includes our plans to upgrade the Tasman Bridge.
“Just as we have a clear plan to boost jobs and the economy, so too we have a clear plan to deliver the enhanced transport network that our growing capital city needs and deserves.
“Keeping Hobart Moving details our vision to deliver a transport system that creates an accessible, people-focussed and future-ready city that enables further economic prosperity and liveability.
“The strategy, when finalised, will be used to lobby the Australian Government and the Federal Opposition for funding to deliver an intermodal transit solution to unlock transport corridors and encourage urban renewal.
“Part of our plan is to incentivise public transport as the mode of choice for Hobart’s commuters, and a rapid bus network will complement existing bus services, providing faster and more direct services along key corridors from the North, East and South.
“New infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes, intersection priority and bus stops and stations will result in bus services that are more comfortable, faster and reliable.
“More ferry services will ease traffic congestion, revitalise key locations along the Derwent, and support travel to events.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with our local and federal partners to deliver the various initiatives outlined in the draft plan, which is available on the State Growth website for the community to also provide feedback.
“In addition to the initiatives already mentioned, the plan includes a new public transport identity, a review of bus services, implementation of integrated ticketing with real-time passenger information, upgraded bus stops and shelters, more park and ride facilities, bus priority measures, the Southern Outlet transit lane, fixing the bottleneck, Macquarie and Davey Street improvements, duplication of the Midway Point and Sorell causeways, East Derwent Highway improvements, and of course the Bridgewater Bridge.
“The ultimate aim is a connected city embracing new, improved and sustainable transport options that provide more flexible and efficient journeys and an improved passenger experience with real-time information and new technologies.”
The masterplan will be available at: www.keepinghobartmoving.tas.gov.au
