Media release – City of Hobart, 6 March 2024
Hobart needs State Government investment in transport infrastructure
The City of Hobart is calling for State Government investment to enhance its mobility and connectivity infrastructure, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and create a more sustainable transport system for its residents.
With a growing population and significant urban development projects underway, the City recognises the urgent need for diversifying transport options and investing in efficient public transportation.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said: “As our city evolves, so too must our approach to transportation. We have a vision of a Hobart where public transport is not just a practical choice but a preferred one, offering speed, efficiency, and accessibility to all residents.”
Cr Reynolds said the City acknowledged the challenges faced by the community regarding transport and was committed to help addressing them through strategic investments.
“We understand the frustrations of congestion and limited transport options,” she said.
“To overcome these challenges, we need a comprehensive strategy that includes fewer cars on the road, robust public transport options, and enhanced support for active modes of travel such as walking and cycling, ensuring safety for all.”
Data shows when the Bridge of Remembrance and Rose Garden bridge opened, the numbers of cyclists increased on that route to the city, versus continuing along the water’s edge.
Conversely, bike riding on links with poor infrastructure has gone backwards – for example, less bike riders are using the Tasman Bridge today than ten years ago.
An example of much needed alternate transport options is the City of Hobart’s Collins Street cycleway trial beginning soon, while work is currently underway on the Campbell and Argyle Street cycleways, which will give commuters a safe, quick and easy option to get into the CBD.
Bicycle Network Public Affairs Manager Tasmania Alison Hetherington said: “The majority of the population are interested in riding for transport but don’t want to mix with cars.
“We need funding for the Greater Hobart Cycling Plan as it aims to create a cycling network that people of all ages and abilities can comfortably ride.”
Of the 3,483 bus stops in Tasmania, 454 are on roads managed by the City of Hobart but only 13 are disability standard compliant, despite some infrastructure funding from the previous Tasmanian Government.
With a focus on public transport and bus services throughout the election campaign, disability compliant bus shelters are a vital part of the journey.
In pursuit of this vision, the City of Hobart is calling on candidates and political parties in Clark to commit to crucial funding initiatives:
- Funding for Ferry Network Operations: Ensure continued operations of the ferry network to additional priority locations.
- Annual Funding for Greater Hobart Commuter Cycling Network: Commit to an annual funding program of $5 million to develop the Greater Hobart Commuter Cycling Network.
- Upgrades to Bicycle Facilities: Allocate approximately $5.5 million for upgrades to bicycle facilities, including lanes and separated cycleways at Augusta Road, Lenah Valley, and upper Elizabeth Street.
- Streetscape Upgrades: Provide $4 million for streetscape upgrades along Collins Street – Molle to Elizabeth.
- Construction of Path at Stainforth Court: Allocate approximately $1.5 million for the construction of a path at Stainforth Court, linking to the Intercity Cycleway.
- Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) Compliant Bus Shelters: Invest $8 million in a coordinated network of DSAPT-compliant bus shelters in Greater Hobart.
- Local Walking and Micro-Mobility Network Upgrades: Allocate funds for upgrades supporting bus rapid transit facilities in Hobart, including a $6 million investment in station design and build at New Town (Bell Street/ Cornelian Bay/ Hockey Centre) and $5 million over 10 years for additional maintenance funding on local government roads on Bus Rapid Transit routes.
Cr Reynolds said collaboration was needed across all levels of government and stakeholder bodies to achieve these goals.
“Our transport network is a complex ecosystem that requires coordinated efforts and investments from various entities,” Cr Reynolds said.
“We are committed to working closely with the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Government, and other stakeholders to realise our vision of a more connected and sustainable Hobart.”
Media release – Disability Voices Tasmania, 6 March 2024
SUPPORTING BETTER ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Disability Voices Tasmania joins with Hobart City Council in calling for improvements to public transport infrastructure and services.
In a recent submission to the Australian Government in response to the Disability Royal Commission Report handed down last year, Disability Voices Tasmania noted the disappointing lack of advocacy regarding public transport.
“Transport infrastructure is vital to the enablement of disabled people to access work and leisure activities, access medical and other appointments, take advantage of peer support opportunities with friends, family and others in the community,” said Vaughn Bennison, Executive Officer of DVT, “yet, despite having received many submissions on the subject, the commission has remained silent, making no recommendations in this area.”
Disability Voices Tasmania Board member, Michael Small said: “The national Transport Standards that all public transport providers must comply with are in the process of being modernised – but it is a slow and painstaking process. They cover infrastructure like airports, bus interchange areas, bus stops, taxi ranks and bus shelters,” said Mr Small.
“Any future Tasmanian Government needs to take a more proactive approach to ensuring this infrastructure meets the access requirements of people with disability. Metro claims that 100 percent of its bus fleet is wheelchair accessible but that doesn’t help if you can’t access the bus in the first place,” he said.
The review of the Transport Standards will result in new and very welcome requirements such as assistance animal toileting areas at airports and key transport interchange points and requirements for people with disability to be involved in developing and delivering staff training and awareness programs for people operating transport infrastructure.
“We call on all political parties and independent nominees to commit to working harder to ensure compliance with Transport Standards and take a leadership role in adopting any new infrastructure changes to improve access to safe, affordable and accessible transport,” said Tammy Milne, Chair of DVT.
“We want to see a ‘whole of journey’ approach involving state and local government, transport operators and people with disability looking at footpaths, bus stops, vehicles, real-time monitoring, timetable updates and journey planning,” said Ms Milne, “we have an opportunity to lead the way in Tasmania and we want to see action from our elected members.”
Disability Voices Tasmania is Tasmania’s only cross-disability Disabled Persons Organisation, and is run entirely by and for Tasmanians with disability.
