Launceston’s beloved Tiger Bus, a free service that has carried thousands of passengers around the city since 2009, will make its final journey this October after council voted to terminate the service.
Launceston City Council made the decision citing declining passenger numbers and the annual cost of more than $300,000 to maintain the service.
The move has sparked criticism from both the community and transport unions, who claim the decision contradicts recent discussions about expanding public transport options.
“Fair to say that we’ve been blindsided by this decision. We certainly think that it’s shortsighted,” Byron Cubit from the Rail, Tram and Bus Union told 7 Tasmania.
“To take this action today is a step in the wrong direction. Public transport requires more investment, not less,” he said.
The union claims that just weeks ago, the council had indicated support for boosting public transport in the region.
Despite voting to end the Tiger Bus service, council members have suggested they remain committed to finding alternative transport solutions.
“We’ve struggled to get people to catch buses in and around the city. There are a number of things that we need to improve in regards to that,” Deputy Mayor Hugh McKenzie said.
“My sense is we draw a line in the history of this today, but I don’t say we give up.”
The Tiger Bus has operated without livery for the last two years, taking to the streets as a generic Metro bus.
The council’s contract with Metro will conclude on 31 October.
