The message to Tasmania’s current and future state politicians is simple – make Hobart transport options safe and commuters will leave their cars at home.
At a glance
- As part of its state election advocacy priorities, the City of Hobart is seeking a commitment from candidates and political parties to support several key transport infrastructure projects.
- The projects range from ferry and cycling networks, to streetscape upgrades and disability standard compliant bus shelters.
- The implementation of these projects will result in easing of traffic congestion and less reliance on fossil fuelled vehicles.
The City of Hobart is advocating for greater investment in the capital's transport infrastructure to give the many who live, work and play safe, reliable, fast choices on how to travel about the municipality.
South Hobart's Dorothy McCartney regularly rides her e-bike from South Hobart to the CBD.
She has a simple message for the election.
"Please give us more money, please make it safe for us to ride," Ms McCartney said.
"There's a lot of room for improvement.
"There are some really good parts, and I'm lucky enough to live in South Hobart, so I have the (Hobart) Rivulet Path, which is nice but it would be nice if it was a bit safer once I got into town and if it was a bit safer getting across from town.
"But I love cycling and it just makes you feel good.
"I've done 15 000km on my electric bike, electric bikes are a bit of a game changer and it's just a really good way of getting around and obviously you're not taking up room on the road in the car."
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the priority projects range from ferry and cycling networks, to streetscape upgrades and disability standard compliant bus shelters.
"The councils can do bits and pieces, but if we really want to make a step change and have really proper separated cycleways right throughout the city on key commuter routes we really do need that to be a partnership," Cr Reynolds said.
"In every other state capital you find that it's the state government working with the local council to make these projects happen.
"Local government just doesn't have the resources to do a major investment in separated cycleways itself. but working with the state government we can actually really increase and improve the safety of cycling infrastructure in our capital city."
South Hobart resident Dorothy McCartney and Bicycle Network spokesperson Alison Hetherington
The City's advocacy priorities have been backed by the Bicycle Network.
"The majority of the population are interested in riding for transport but don't want to mix with cars," Bicycle Network spokesperson Alison Hetherington said.
"We need funding for the Greater Hobart Cycling Plan as it aims to create a cycling network that people of all ages and abilities can comfortably ride."
The City of Hobart's transport infrastructure priorities:
- Funding for Ferry Network Operations: Ensure continued operations of the ferry network to additional priority locations.
- Annual Funding for Greater Hobart Commuter Cycling Network: Commit to an annual funding program of $5 million to develop the Greater Hobart Commuter Cycling Network.
- Upgrades to Bicycle Facilities: Allocate approximately $5.5 million for upgrades to bicycle facilities, including lanes and separated cycleways at Augusta Road, Lenah Valley, and upper Elizabeth Street.
- Streetscape Upgrades: Provide $4 million for streetscape upgrades along Collins Street – Molle to Elizabeth.
- Construction of Path at Stainforth Court: Allocate approximately $1.5 million for the construction of a path at Stainforth Court, linking to the Intercity Cycleway.
- Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) Compliant Bus Shelters: Invest $8 million in a coordinated network of DSAPT-compliant bus shelters in Greater Hobart.
- Local Walking and Micro-Mobility Network Upgrades: Allocate funds for upgrades supporting bus rapid transit facilities in Hobart, including a $6 million investment in station design and build at New Town (Bell Street/ Cornelian Bay/ Hockey Centre) and $5 million over 10 years for additional maintenance funding on Local Government roads on Bus Rapid Transit routes.