The Hodgman Liberal Government is reinvesting the dividends of our growing economy and stronger budget position into improving the lives of Tasmanian communities.
I am pleased to announce the new Kentish bus service will commence on Monday 16 October.
The Kentish community, particularly those in Sheffield and Railton, have been forced to live without a regular general access bus service connecting them with Latrobe and Devonport, and I am very pleased to secure this great outcome for the community.
Even better, locally owned Merseylink (Mersey Bus and Coach Pty Ltd) has been awarded the contract to provide the new service, supporting local jobs in line with our Buy Local policy.
Public transport connecting the Kentish region to Devonport will provide increased job opportunities, allow increased visitation and the potential for business growth for the region.
The northern economy will also be boosted by the community having more access to a wider range of health services, shopping and recreational activities.
The start of the new Kentish bus service coincides with Seniors Week and Merseylink will be providing free travel on the new service to our senior citizens during this week.
Merseylink will provide three return trips on weekdays and two return trips on Saturdays, between Sheffield and Devonport, stopping at Railton, Latrobe and the Mersey Community Hospital.
The service will depart Sheffield at 7.40am, 9.45am and 2.30pm, and Devonport at 9.00am, 1.45pm and 5.20pm on weekdays. Saturday services will depart Sheffield at 9.10am and 1.15pm, and Devonport at 12.30pm and 3.15pm.
Each trip between Sheffield and Devonport will take approximately 45 minutes.
Bus stops will be located in High Street, Sheffield; Foster Street, Railton; Gilbert Street, Latrobe; the Mersey Community Hospital, Latrobe; and Rooke St, Devonport.
Regular bus services are enjoyed by many Tasmanians living in regional communities and I am very pleased this important service will now be active to the benefit of everyone in the region.
More information on the service, routes and ticketing is available at www.merseylink.com.au