The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to improving public transport to better meet the needs of Tasmanians.
That's why we are encouraging Northern Tasmanians to have their say on the future of public transport services in and around Launceston with the release today of a draft, 10-year strategic plan.
The draft Greater Launceston Metropolitan Passenger Transport Plan has been developed by the Department of State Growth in partnership with Metro Tasmania and the three Greater Launceston councils (City of Launceston, Meander Valley and West Tamar).
Improved public transport is about helping people better access work and education opportunities, along with public services, such as healthcare.
This is an important element in delivering on our election commitment to develop a Transport Access Strategy to provide better integrated and coordinated transport services for Tasmanians who are disadvantaged through economic circumstances, disability or age.
The draft plan focuses on a number of key initiatives to achieve this, including:
As a first step in improving services, the Government has partnered with the University of Tasmania to trial a high frequency Metro "Turn Up & Go" service on the Mowbray corridor between the Launceston CBD and the Newnham Campus.
This trial, which began on 23 February, will deliver bus services every 15 minutes between 8am and 6pm on weekdays and will also improve Saturday services.
Comment is invited on the draft Greater Launceston Metropolitan Passenger Transport Plan by either email or post until close of business on 10 April 2015.
Further information and copies of the Plan can be obtained at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/greater-launceston or by emailing greaterlaunceston@stategrowth.tas.gov.au or phoning 6166 4473.