Tasmanian rail advocates are frustrated with how the state government is handling public transportation and are calling for a rail corridor renewal plan to be given a second look.
With hopes of reinstating commuter rail services along the northern suburbs railway line, the Rail Action Groups disappointment comes as Metro announce cuts to 180 daily bus services in Hobart.
The group firmly believe that investing in rail is the key to improving public transport across the city.
President Toby Rowallan said buses already have a negative reputation among the public and have proven ineffective in boosting public transport usage.
“Instead the State Government is persisting with its short-sighted and destructive plan to rip up the rails and build a busway,” Rowallan said.
“There is only one system that attracts new users to public transport and that is rail.”
“Rail provides far more benefits as well as greater carrying capacity per operator (driver).”
“The cost of upgrading and fixing the existing track is unquestionably going to be cheaper than destroying it for buses.”
“The Northern Suburbs Railway will not solve all of Hobart’s transport problems – but it provides far more bang for buck than any other option and its impact will be felt across all key arterial routes.”
Greater Hobart Mayors echoed the need for a “public transport system that delivers more services, more often” in a joint statement.
“As a growing region anchored by a contemporary capital city, Greater Hobart needs a reliable, sustainable and cost effective public transport system,” Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough mayors said.
“For Greater Hobart to have a credible bus network, commuters need to have confidence in the frequency and reliability of services.”
“In contrast, the reduction in services will create immediate disruption and inconvenience for commuters while sending a very negative signal about the future of the network.”
The mayors said an improved public transport network is only going to become more important in the years ahead.
“The State Government must immediately address the current issues facing Metro and substantially increase its investment in public transport to deliver a network that our communities can rely on and that is safe.”
