Launceston bus service to be overhauled Thursday, 01 December 2016

Metro Tasmania, the state’s public bus service company, has recently completed a community consultation for its Launceston Network Review in Northern Tasmania.

General Manager of Engineers Australia, Tasmania Vicki Gardiner said the review will form a critical element of Launceston becoming a Smart City.

“A Smart City uses data, information and communication technologies strategically to enhance environmental, economic and social drivers of a community,” Dr Gardiner said.

“Smart mobility is one of the seven pillars to a smart, liveable city, and an effective and efficient bus service that connects people to jobs and education is a critical component of this.

“Metro Tasmania will play a vital role in the transformation of the Northern Region, especially with the relocation of The University of Tasmania to Inveresk.”

Metro Tasmania’s CEO Stuart Wiggins said the company recognises that its current network no longer reflects the travel patterns and preferences of many residents.

“We are proposing to simplify the routes we operate and make better use of existing resources,” Mr Wiggins said.

“Independent research has shown people in Launceston want bus services that are easier to understand, run more frequently and get to their destinations faster.”

According to the 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census data, bus travel accounted for only 2% of work trips in Launceston.

“By reviewing its routes, Metro has taken the first step to increasing mobility in Launceston,” Dr Gardiner said.

“Digital technology has been implemented in Smart City plans all around the world.

“In London, commuters have access to a number of mobile applications that bring transport information to their mobile phones, helping them to transit the city easily while saving time, money and CO2 emissions.

“While there is a way to go in Tasmania, I’m sure it won’t be long until similar technology is used to improve commuter journey experience locally.”

Mr Wiggins said the Launceston Network Review covered both general access and school bus services.

“Metro has developed a network design reflective of contemporary public transport planning principles.

“The review proposes replacing the existing network of 37 routes and variations with a simpler, easier to understand network of 21 routes.

“Critically, all suburbs currently serviced by Metro will continue to be serviced under the new network.

“We propose replacing poorly-patronised and lengthy, winding routes that travel via side streets and are difficult for Metro buses to access safely.

“We will also recalculate travel times on all routes to better reflect current traffic conditions and improve reliability.”

Mr Wiggins said Metro will extend its popular and successful existing Turn Up and GO service between Mowbray and the City to link with a new, high-frequency Turn Up and GO service between the City and Kings Meadows Shopping Centre via the Launceston General Hospital.

Mr Wiggins said Metro will now consider all public feedback before further development of the network review, with changes anticipated to be implemented in mid-2017.

Image: Metro bus operation in Launceston, courtesy of Metro Tasmania.