More than 5,000 additional Tasmanians jumped on Metro buses in Hobart during the first day of free public transport, early data has revealed.
The surge in passenger numbers came as the state government rolled out free fares as a cost-of-living measure last week.
The extra passengers were mainly recorded during morning and evening peak hours compared with the previous week’s figures.
Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said the early numbers were encouraging.
“We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget and [it is] why we have again taken strong action,” Vincent said.
“Tasmanians are showing with their feet they’re keen to take advantage of free public transport.”
The minister said the initiative delivered “major cost-of-living relief to thousands of Tasmanians and their families through free public transport.”
New Metro CEO Jessica Paton said the scheme has drawn in new passengers.
“Our operators are giving us excellent feedback in terms of the customers that they’re encountering,” she said.
“We’re seeing a lot of fresh faces on the network, which is really positive.”
“Our operators are having a great time welcoming new people onto our services and the feedback has been really positive.”
Minister Vincent expects the scheme to see passenger numbers to climb even higher when combined with TassieLink, Kinetic and ferry services.
“For a family with a couple of kids and a parent on the bus from Sorell into Hobart return that’s a saving of about $10 a day,” she said.
“We’re keen to continue delivering real support for Tasmanians and free public transport is a great way to provide it,” she said.
The government says it will continue tracking passenger numbers statewide to assess the policy’s long-term impact on public transport usage.
