Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
In a new era of transport across Hobart's iconic River Derwent, the first Bellerive to Hobart service has sailed today, carrying her first passengers to their destination.
The people of Hobart have said for many years they would use this ferry. Now that the trial service is in place, we can get a true measure of public support.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is working hard with a range of integrated measures to bust traffic congestion and encourage those who want to shift away from their private cars to public passenger transport.
The ferry service is one aspect of our approach, designed to entice commuters to avoid the Tasman Bridge and enjoy the 15-minute river crossing between Bellerive and the city in comfort.
With eight services each morning and seven in the evening on weekdays, the new ferry is a great option for passengers coming into the city that choose to walk, cycle, or be dropped off at the pier.
It's also well supported by existing Metro Tasmania bus services, with "Turn Up and Go" services running every ten minutes along key routes to the pier.
I encourage commuters to "Catch the River", as ultimately passenger demand will determine if the trial is a success and extended beyond the first scheduled year of operation.
Taking only 15 minutes to cross the River, with coffee and snack available onboard, and being free for Metro Greencard holders and bike or e-scooter riders, it is great to see so many people giving it a go.
Timetables and more information are available at: transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport or www.derwentferries.com.au
