One hundred new buses will be introduced to the Tasmanian fleet following the budget announcement
An announcement in the recent Tasmanian Budget for 100 new buses to be introduced into the Metro Tasmanian bus fleet over the next four years has been welcomed by the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC).
“Tasmania has on average the oldest bus fleet age compared to other states and territories. This investment will provide new modern technology, comfort and better services for passengers,” says BIC executive director Michael Apps.
“This is also a good start and step toward future incentives for private bus operators to upgrade their fleets for the benefit of Tasmanians across the state.”
Modern buses provide passengers a better experience when it comes to comfort, provide the opportunity to include services like free Wi-Fi on board and are from an emission perspective, almost zero emission these days.
Just as importantly, this will keep Tasmania on track to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, Accessible Transport Standards compliance timeframes for 2017 and 2022 when the fleet has to be 80 per cent and then 100 per cent compliant to all of the standards for all bus services.
“This a great thing for people with disabilities, the elderly and mothers with prams to provide greater access to using public transport services,” says Apps.
“New buses will also assist in encouraging more people to use public transport. They look better, they travel better, they are more comfortable and with Wi-Fi, people can get on with some work, emails, listen to music or just read.
“This is a winner as part of the solution to addressing the increasing congestion challenges Hobart faces.”
It also great the government will be investigating the opportunity for the buses to be manufactured in Tasmania.
Australia has a highly successful and niche bus manufacturing industry that has been delivering buses to the Australian market for many years with no government subsidy or support. This can only mean new jobs and new skills for Tasmanians.