SkyBus has reached its fifth anniversary in Hobart as it continues to go from strength to strength in the island state
SkyBus Hobart has notched its fifth year running services in Tasmania as it celebrates by continuing to boost capabilities..
As SkyBus celebrates five years operating in the Apple Isle, its Hobart City Express service is going from strength to strength, with a focus on customer innovation helping drive record patronage numbers amid Tasmania’s continued post-COVID tourism recovery.
SkyBus landed at Hobart Airport in July 2018, offering travellers a fast, frequent and affordable travel option between the airport and the city.
Since then, SkyBus says it has been embraced by Tasmanians and visitors to the island state, recovering from a period of COVID-enforced lockdowns to achieve its busiest start to a year on record in 2023.
The business is continuing to reach new heights, with the Hobart service recording more than 75,000 customer journeys across the first six months of 2023 – its highest ever half-year patronage figures.
It comes as the Tasmanian government reveals total visitor numbers to the state are back up at pre-pandemic levels.
Over the past 12 months, customers have benefitted from initiatives such as SkyBusk, which is part of Tourism Tasmania’s ‘The Off Season’ campaign and features live music performances from local artists on-board SkyBus services and at Hobart Airport.
Customers are also enjoying cleaner, greener, quieter travel with SkyBus introducing Tasmania’s first two battery electric buses (BEBs) into service last year. These BEBs cut CO2 emissions by 79 tonnes within the first six months of operation.
In May, SkyBus proudly unveiled Tasmania’s first ever Pride Bus. Featuring the Progress Pride Flag and the words “You are Loved”, the zero-emission Pride Bus sends a clear message to the community that everyone should feel welcome, safe and respected.
SkyBus Hobart Manager Corey Slade thanks passengers for their continued support and says the SkyBus team was proud and passionate about what they do.
“As we mark five years of operation, more people than ever are choosing SkyBus to travel to and from the airport at a time when tourists are well and truly flocking back to Tasmania,” Slade says.
“Through recent events like Dark Mofo, we’re continuing to break new patronage records with travellers embracing SkyBus for our ease, convenience and affordability.
“We’re proud to serve as a gateway to the Apple Isle and we look forward to continue delivering a world-class service and playing a key role in Tasmania’s tourism economy.”
SkyBus operates express bus services seven days a week between Hobart Airport and six convenient city stops servicing popular landmarks, accommodation and venues. Services operate every 30 minutes during peak travel periods.
SkyBus is owned by Kinetic, which also operates government-contracted route and school services across Tasmania.