A major public transport hub promised for Hobart seven years ago remains stuck in planning limbo.
The Hobart Transit Centre was detailed in the Hobart City Deal with federal and state governments in 2019 and was designed to become the central hub for the city’s bus networks.
But key milestones have been missed, with not even a preferred site announced.
The Liberals initially promised an underground bus mall near Franklin Square during their 2018 election campaign, complete with concept designs.
Hobart councillor Ryan Posselt said the city needed “a more sophisticated transit centre than we currently have” to serve multiple bus services including TassieLink and airport shuttles.
“I would probably choose somewhere close to Franklin Square,” he told Pulse.
“I think that road between Town Hall and Franklin Square, which is Elizabeth Street, but is primarily only used for buses, but it’s four lanes wide.”
Posselt said Hobart City Council had received no communication about the project’s progress.
“Council has not had any communication with the elected council body about a transit centre,” he said.
“I understand that the state sent a little bit of money on scoping work, but there’s still $3.4 million available for design elements.”
“And so, of course, the council would be willing and very happy to work with the state on any project like this that changes the transport metrics for Hobart and Tasmania, because it is broader than Hobart, being a transit centre that would service the entire state.”
Independent MP Helen Burnet said current fuel uncertainty was a chance for government to act drastically to improve public transport.
She said many bus services cut almost two years ago had not been restored, leaving commuters without reliable alternatives to driving.
“We need to beef up the bus services to make sure that that is a real alternative, a reliable and frequent alternative, and that’s certainly not what everybody experiences right now,” she told Pulse.
A spokesperson for State Growth said a technical feasibility study has been completed and an independent review, jointly commissioned by the government and City of Hobart had examined locations based on transport, city shaping, public realm and urban development principles.
“Before potential sites can be released, further strategic analysis and key stakeholder engagement are required, including completion of the Greater Hobart Bus Network Review and continued engagement with City of Hobart on precinct planning,” they said.
