The Tasmanian transport minister says a rapid bus transit network will be the preferred way of transporting AFL fans to and from games at the planned Macquarie Point stadium to watch the new Tasmanian AFL side from 2028 onwards
Following this week’s massive announcement of a new Tasmanian AFL team and plans for a new stadium at Hobart’s Macquarie Point, the Tasmanian government has outlined the importance buses will have to the plans.
To get people to and from the Macquarie Point stadium when the 19th AFL team begins playing in Tasmania in 2028, the Tasmanian government says it’s taking action now to improve public transport options.
Not only does the Macquarie Point precinct present an unprecedented opportunity to convert a previously underutilised site into one that will have economic and social benefits for Tasmania for decades to come, but the government says it is critical in opening up vital transport corridors.
Tasmanian transport and infrastructure minister Michael Ferguson says that as the Tasmanian population grows and the precinct attracts Tasmanians wanting to come together to experience the site’s attractions, providing this next-level transport network is critical to ensure public transport patronage flourishes and that Hobart maintains its enviable lifestyle offering to residents and tourists.
The main way Ferguson and Tasmania will do this is via a rapid bus transit network, with buses winning out over light rail for the preferred transport model, alongside assistance from ferries.
“We will also work in partnership with our local and national counterparts to develop a new integrated Bus Rapid Transit Network, with rapid buses to service our major growth corridors, allowing people to move around quickly and comfortably,” Ferguson says.
“Rapid buses are the preferred mode for the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor, from Glenorchy to the City, while a new Bus Transit Centre will be built in Hobart close to both Macquarie Point and the city centre.
“Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality bus-based transport system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services at higher capacities than normal bus services. It does this through a combination of dedicated infrastructure, such as lane and stations and fast and frequent operations.
“Combined with investment in active transport corridors to provide more direct and safe links from Hobart’s suburbs to the city, and it is clear our renewed and revitalised transport network will deliver the extra capacity and attractive options to get people to and from the exciting Macquarie Point precinct.”
Ferguson says last year’s budget included funding to develop ferry and bus plans over proposed sites.
“The work already underway is extensive – the new Bridgewater Bridge, augmentation of the Tasman Bridge, the upgrade of the Tasman Highway from the Hobart Airport to the city, Davey and Macquarie Street upgrades, new park and ride facilities, the fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, and a boost in the number of bus services,” Ferguson says.
“In addition, the urban renewal development that the Macquarie Point precinct unlocks will see the development of the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor including a bus-rapid-transit service and the development of a Hobart Transit Centre.
“Appropriate parking and ensuring easy access to the precinct will be critical parts of our design – we want our city to be more walkable as well, with increased ferry access to our waterfront.”