Car-pooling? Not these days

SADLY in this day and age neighbours are no longer what they used to be. Car-pooling is one great solution to traffic congestion — but four to a car? Realistically that just won’t happen (Letters, October 22). But with neighbours keeping to themselves and often having differing work hours and destinations, child care obligations etc, this solution just won’t work. Better public transport at more frequent times during peak hour might help, kids catching buses to school might help but I feel with an ever-increasing population nothing will ever solve the traffic problems of Hobart.

Ferry performance

ON Sunday, my partner and I were at the cafe at Kettering looking across the channel. We were treated to the spectacle of a ferry arrival. It was a new one to us, resplendent in a new coat of paint with the name Moongalba. It was the type of vessel known as a landing barge. It was definitely meant to only go in one direction and, not as car ferries are normally designed, to travel with equal facility either way. Closer it came until we realised it was not going straight in but was going to turn and go astern into the dock, otherwise the vehicles on board would have to reverse up the ramp. It laboriously backed until it was berthed. The whole performance took at least 15 minutes in contrast to the Mirambeena which would have gone straight in and been unloading in short order. Unlike the Mirambeena this vessel has only one deck so its carrying capacity is quite low despite its size. The conditions were superb, no wind and brilliant sunshine. Ideal conditions for docking. I wonder how things will go in adverse weather? For example with a strong wind blowing. The residents of Bruny Island are in for a torrid time. iginal community (Letters, October 26). This would make a mockery of the election process. Local, state and federal politicians are elected by the people, for the people (sometimes anyway). If you gift a seat to a particular group, other groups will want the same. There have been many indigenous politicians across all levels of politics duly elected. If you want an Aboriginal in state Parliament, stand someone at the next election. If the voters want that person they will be elected. being aware of its advantages to reduce traffic congestion and open up the corridor for development. It would appear Mr Wilkie and the State Government need to obtain funds from the existing $1.75 billion joint federal and state fund to upgrade rail tracks corridors and platforms.