Kingborough Council has welcomed an announcement by the State Government of additional 43 express bus services between Kingborough and Hobart.
The following additional express bus services are due to commence on January 30:
14 new Blackmans Bay (X07) express services;
10 new Snug (X13) express services; and
19 more express services running between Kingston central and the Hobart CBD outside of peak travel times.
In a media release on January 20, Mayor Paula Wriedt said continued advocacy had paid dividends.
“The addition of an extra 43 express bus services between Kingborough and Hobart is most welcome”, said Mayor Wriedt.
“As everyone in Kingborough knows, we are going through an extraordinary period of growth.
“While there are many positives about growth, one of the downsides has been the increase in traffic congestion, particularly at peak times.
“Kingborough Council has been a strong advocate for the municipality on congestion issues, approaching it in a multipronged way.
“We successfully advocated for changes to the Huntingfield Roundabout design and for investment in the Algona Road intersection and bypass.
“Through our strong readiness to engage in the City Deal we have secured investment in park and ride facilities at Huntingfield and Firthside as well as in our Transform Kingston Project, which focuses on increasing the number of people who work, eat and play in Kingston, reducing traffic flow through to Hobart.
“As a Council we have invested heavily in our active transport infrastructure with an extensive network of tracks and trails, and we have just completed engagement on a bicycle strategy.”
In a media release on January 18, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the additional bus services will be operated by Metro Tasmania and will run weekdays during the morning and afternoon peak periods.
“The new routes are part of the Hobart City Deal Southern Projects initiative and will service the Blackmans Bay, Kingston and Channel areas.
“The Southern Projects initiative is an end-to-end solution to improve public transport and traffic flow along Hobart’s southern corridor.
“To coincide with the new express service, we’ve also taken the opportunity to adjust other southern bus services timetables, and departure locations from Hobart to improve service reliability.
“Passengers are encouraged to visit the Transport website for more information about these changes.”
For further details on new bus services visit www.transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport/service_updates
