Bus changes defended

Rockliff: Services ‘significantly increased’

THE State Government says it has listened to the needs of southern Tasmanian bus users and says recent bus service changes will more accurately reflect community needs into the future.

Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff said a once-in-adecade review of southern bus network services will see the services run more smoothly, and travel delays ease.

It was revealed on Wednesday that after Derwent Valley community feedback an additional dedicated school bus will travel to Hobart schools from New Norfolk.

“We’ve significantly increased the number of services to the southeast region, particularly to Sorell, but also to the East Coast as well as extra weekend services to Dodges Ferry and the Tasman Peninsula,” Mr Rockliff said.

There are seven school routes running from Sorell to Hobart, which the Government said will be monitored and tweaked to ensure they meet community needs.

“New routes and services are now working smoothly for Sorell primary and high students,” Mr Rockliff said.

He said changes to the Swansea bus service, to address travel delays, will see it no longer interchange at Sorell. The service will now run to Rosny College.

Mr Rockliff said the Government was aware of delays for students travelling to Rosny College and some other Hobart schools.

“I am also aware that there are concerns about some of the mid-day services from Dodges Ferry and Carlton, and we will review these services once the initial network changes have settled down,” he said.

“We will make additional changes where needed.”