The first of 100 new Metro buses to be built in North-West Tasmania has rolled off the production line and will soon be hitting our roads as part of the single biggest public transport investment in Tasmania’s history.
Metro’s fleet replacement program will help to build the reputation of the region as an advanced manufacturing hotspot.
Passengers on these new buses will experience a more comfortable, accessible and environmentally friendly journey with air-conditioning, and low floors which meet the Disability Discrimination Act.
This $31 million investment to renew Metro’s ageing fleet has opened doors to new advanced manufacturing job opportunities in the North West, with Elphinstone appointing 26 new employees as a result of the project.
The Hodgman Liberal Government has provided an additional $18 million, on top of the $13 million already allocated to accelerate the bus replacement.
We expect the new buses to be rolled out at a rate of three per month, and I am proud it is the Hodgman Liberal Government delivering better public transport for Tasmanians along with more regional manufacturing jobs.