Metro slap at councils

PUBLIC transport service Metro has unleashed on Hobart’s councils — accusing them of having done nothing to help make bus commuting more popular.

In its submission to a parliamentary inquiry into traffic congestion, Metro says it has done all it can to help — including delivering more high-frequency services — but “local governments have not been as responsive”.

“Due to objections … proposals to remove parking spaces have been rejected and (other proposals) have not been actioned,” the submission says.

TASMANIA’S public transport provider has told a parliamentary inquiry councils around Hobart have dropped the ball when it comes to improving bus travel times.

A Legislative Council committee examining greater Hobart traffic congestion received 45 submissions from individuals and groups.

In its submission, Metro Tasmania said it had done everything in its remit to implement State Government recommendations to improve travel times around Hobart.

This included more highfrequency services and changing the spacing of bus stops.

“Regrettably, Metro understands that local governments have not been as responsive,” the submission says.

“Due to objections from business owners, proposals to remove parking spaces have been rejected, and proposals including allocating dedicated road space, introducing parking restrictions, and relocating bus stops have not been actioned.

“The City of Hobart also rejected the Department of State Growth’s 2016 Hobart Congestion Traffic Analysis recommendations for council-owned streets, including extending clearways, changing on-street parking and reconfiguring lanes of Murray St at Macquarie St, and Molle St at the junctions of both Davey and Macquarie streets.”

Other submissions included:

THE University of Tasmania said moving from Sandy Bay to the CBD would ease traffic by reducing trips across the city. BICYCLE groups said removing on-street car parks to make room for separated cycleways was the key to encouraging cycling.

TUNNELS under the city were again raised as

the only viable solution in terms of major road infrastructure. BRIGHTON Council suggested free or cheap bus fares during peak hour, light rail to Brighton and a trial of a ferry to Bridgewater

INFRASTRUCTURE Minister Michael Ferguson said 83 per cent of commuter journeys were by car, higher than any capital city in Australia.

“Cheap parking in the central Hobart area contributed to this,” Mr Ferguson said.