To emphasise the need for improved public transport beyond Glenorchy, Rail Action Group President Ben Johnston will ride a “Hobart City Express” bus service from Bridgewater to Hobart on Thursday morning 25 July.
Mr Johnston will be joined by Andrew Wilkie (Federal Member for Denison), Anna Reynolds (Greens Denison Candidate), Debra Thurley (Palmer United Party Denison Candidate), Wayne Williams (Democratic Labor Party Denison Candidate), Adriana Taylor MLC, and Craig Farrell MLC.
Mr Johnston said that the recent Legislative Council Report on Integrated Transport Options for Southern Tasmania highlighted the dismal state of public transport in Southern Tasmania & called on the State Government to extend their current investigations into passenger rail services beyond Glenorchy.
“To get a full appreciation of the inferior state of our current public transport option you need to actually experience it. The community beyond Glenorchy to Brighton is seriously transport disadvantaged with low levels of car ownership or access to a private vehicle, minimal community services, education, and employment opportunities. As such they are highly dependent on public transport for day-to-day travel needs but they are offered a slow & infrequent service” said Mr Johnston.
“Our politicians and candidates can expect to experience a slow “Hobart City Express” bus journey from Bridgewater to Hobart with the total journey time over an hour. In stark contrast a modern electric train could do the same journey in under 30 minutes. Last century, even ‘vintage trains’ did it in 38 minutes with more stops!” said Mr Johnston. [ Download latest and old timetables below ]
At the conclusion of their journey politicians and candidates will be have the opportunity to speak to media about their experience and how they will commit to improving public transport.
Media are invited to meet the “Hobart City Express” bus from Bridgewater at approximately 8:49am at the bus terminus in Elizabeth Street (beside Franklin Square) subject to traffic conditions.
Not everyone is moving slowly on public transport! Despite not having any track, Canberra is forging ahead with Light Rail with $18.7m committed to design work and a coordinating agency to deliver the project. Greens ACT Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury MLA will present a free presentation on the Canberra project at the Glenorchy Civic Centre 6-7pm on Thursday 25 July. Federal candidates will be given the opportunity to briefly outline if and how they will progress Hobart’s Rail Project if elected.
Download:
Bridgewater-Hobart.pdf
