Transport vision still vague

A PASSENGER transport system to link Hobart’s northern suburbs with the CBD still appears to be light on detail.

The vision to activate the northern suburbs transit corridor is a key component of the Hobart City Deal, for which an implementation plan is being released today.

It is understood the plan outlines a target to determine the most effective transport solution to the corridor by the end of this year, but does not provide more detail.

It is one of a suite of congestion-busting measures outlined in the deal.

Federal Cities Minister Alan Tudge said a combined investment of $890 million — which includes the Bridgewater Bridge project — was aimed at busting congestion on Greater Hobart roads.

A $20.8 million Kingston congestion package will see the creation of a fifth lane on the southern outlet, with construction work planned to commence in 2022.

Other measures, including work on park and ride locations in the area, are expected to be further progressed by the end of this year.

Long-term targets to have one in every 10 Hobart commuters using public transport to travel to work is understood to be highlighted in the implementation plan.

Currently, across the Hobart, Glenorchy, Kingborough and Clarence council areas, the figure is only 6.4 per cent of people, about one in every 15.

Also outlined is a plan to reduce the number of single occupant drivers on the regular commute to work from 62 per cent to 50 per cent.

It is believed a business case for a Derwent ferry service is expected to be completed by 2020-21.

A feasibility study of the Hobart Bus Transit Centre in the CBD is expected to be completed in coming months, with a report due to be delivered by the end of the year.