Rail Group: Trains Can Avert Bus Crisis

Media release – Rail Action Group, 10 June 2022

Rail Could Avert Looming Bus Crisis

The proponents of passenger rail in Hobart are urging the new Rockliff Government to reconsider rail for Hobart’s rail corridor given the scarcity of new buses Mercury Wednesday 8th June 2022, ‘Metro cancels bus deal’.

Rail Action Group President Michael Hangan says “Hobart is facing a looming bus shortage crisis given the issues between Metro and BusTech. Given the success of the recent Bellerive Ferry trial, it is obvious Hobartians want off-road and congestion free transport alternatives. The obvious next step is to restore passenger rail to Hobart’s existing rail corridor.”

Mr Hangan says, “that money has been committed in the Hobart City Deal to the rail corridor, which would assist in buying quite a few trains. Across the strait in Victoria, they are building trains to operate in Victoria – why can’t we do the same here? Creating jobs in manufacturing to grow the economy.”

Mr Hangan says “the Hobart Rail project will create jobs, housing, relieve congestion, make Hobart a more resilient and liveable city and rail carries more people than buses. It is the perfect COVID-19 recovery project, and is very popular in the community!”