Concept images of a proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) network for Hobart have been re-released by the state government as ‘new and exclusive’.
The artist impressions were first made public in October 2023 as part of the draft ‘Keeping Hobart Moving’ plan, which outlined new Derwent ferry routes, an integrated bus network and expanded options for walking, cycling, running and using scooters.
The designs feature buses and tram-like vehicles compatible with a BRT system, which the state government proposes will operate across greater Hobart’s transport network in the coming years.
Transport Minister Eric Abetz says the former railway line from Macquarie Point through the northern suburbs will likely be removed to make way for new BRT infrastructure, a decision that has been met with opposition from political figures and a group who support light rail.
“The Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor will offer a great lifestyle, housing choice, fast and direct public transport and a sustainable vibrant economy,” Abetz said.
“Starting with the 4km stretch from Glenorchy to New Town, the urban renewal of the corridor will breathe new life into the region’s residential and light industrial areas, initially targeting areas within walking distance of the corridor.”
Abetz said the proposed BRT system is the main feature of the newly published Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor Growth Strategy.
The strategy released on Sunday accompanies the draft Medium Density Design Guidelines, which aims to “encourage more terrace, townhouse and low- to mid-rise apartment developments” along the route.
“The strategy maps out the staged renewal of areas surrounding the unused rail line from Macquarie Point through to Granton to maximise economic, social and lifestyle benefits,” a state government spokesperson said.
Greens Transport and Planning spokesperson Helen Burnet, who has been advocating for light rail over a rapid bus system, said the plan “looks hollow” and lacks detailed information.
“All the information the public have are a couple of artist impressions of what look a lot like bus stops,” she said.
“The Greens welcome any proposal to activate the northern suburbs rail corridor and increase housing options. The corridor is a critical transport link for Hobart.”
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey, who earlier this year said light rail “must be considered for the old northern rail corridor”, emphasised the need for more housing options for future generations.
“The Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor provides a once in a generation opportunity to transform the makeup of Glenorchy’s urban areas and bring more people to live closer to services, ideally supported by high quality public transport,” she said.
A previous state government-funded report from pre-Covid estimated the construction cost of Hobart’s rapid bus transit system at $445 million, compared to $596 million for light rail.
The report indicated that light rail would be more “city shaping”, unlocking denser developments around the corridor, resulting in four times as many dwellings as bus rapid transit and twice as many as trackless trams.
“Light rail was found to have the greatest impact of the city shaping objectives, unlocking the largest number of dwellings in the corridor through increased peak period public transport capacity,” the report reads.
“The bus rapid had the smallest impact on city shaping objectives. This is due to a variety factors including the comparative lack of integration bus rapid offers with surrounding land markets and revealed preference (public sentiment) towards bus when compared to the other competing modes.”
Abetz believes the BRT services could begin between 2026 and 2029, depending on business cases, funding availability and approvals.
