Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering for all Tasmanians as we continue to strengthen our economy by building the infrastructure that our growing State needs.
Our Derwent River ferry has reached another impressive milestone with our 100,000th passenger boarding this morning after less than 10 months of operation.
We had high hopes for the service, but the passenger numbers we have actually experienced have exceeded all expectations, especially over the busy summer period.
Numbers reached as high as 600 a day in the peak period leading up to Christmas, which is very pleasing to me as Minister.
Even as the cooler weather sets in, we are still seeing strong numbers choosing the ferry, leaving their cars at home for a comfortable and quick ride into the city.
The popularity of the service is why we have locked in another $19 million to keep the service going for another four years while we work to make it ongoing.
This funding will also include new ferry infrastructure on the Bellerive side to further improve the passenger experience and provide more shelter for more passengers on colder or wetter days.
Importantly, we will work closely with the new Federal Government on its plan for additional ferry terminals at Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay, and Wilkinsons Point.
We've already started working closely with the Greater Hobart councils to examine the viability of extending services to additional locations on the river.
100,000 passengers is a great start and signals what could be an even bigger future for ferry travel on the Derwent into the future.
Anyone thinking about jumping aboard the Derwent Ferry can check timetables at transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport
