Tomorrow sees the return of school term and the expectation of traffic congestion once again gridlocking Hobart.

With a new parliamentary term commencing on Tuesday Richard Griggs has challenged the Hodgman Government to make good on its recent promise to expand public transport options by committing to making peak hour bus travel in Hobart free.

On 19 April 2018 Transport Minister Jeremy Rockliff was quoted as saying ‘The Government is always keen to meet, discuss and work with all stakeholders, including councils, to improve and expand public transport options’

“As Hobart braces itself for potential gridlock with school going back this week, I challenge the Hodgman Government to make good on its pledge to expand public transport,” Richard Griggs said.

“If the government was serious about taking on board stakeholder suggestions, this free peak hour buses proposal could already be in place for the resumption of school term. If Hobart is brought to a stop once again, the Hodgman government will have questions to answer.

“The government must do more than just talk on this issue. It could implement free peak hour buses in Hobart before the end of May and we know it would take cars off the road and reduce congestion.

“There was a two week trial of this initiative last year and it lead to a fourteen percent increase in patronage. If we made this a permanent option for Hobart commuters the positive impact would grow.

“Everyone knows that traffic can regularly come to a standstill in Hobart. All that it takes is for the school term to start again or for a car to break down in the wrong place.

“The question is whether our government can find $10 million in an annual $4.4 billion dollar budget to address this issue which impacts all commuters of Hobart. It represents only 0.25% of our total state budget and is extremely inexpensive compared to building new roads,’ Mr Griggs said.

Mr Griggs today released a 30 second advertisement (available at www.richardgriggs.com.au) that runs until election day on 5 May and outlines his commitment to progressing this issue if elected.

Download letter to Ministers Rockliff and Gutwein …
letter_to_Mr_Jeremy_Rockliff_MP_and_Mr_Peter_Gutwein_MP.pdf

Download Costing prepared by Richard Griggs …
COSTING.pdf

Twitter @Rich_Griggs

Authorised by Nick Griggs two hundred and ninety five Elizabeth Street North Hobart
Richard Griggs Independent Candidate for Legislative Council Seat of Hobart … New Ideas + New Energy