Free ferry travel will be available for Saturday shoppers this summer, with the City of Hobart today confirming it will facilitate the additional day's sailing.
The Derwent Ferries service will add Saturdays to its sailing schedule starting 18 December, with timetables to be finalised shortly.
"We've had a lot of feedback from the community that they'd like to be able to access the ferry on weekends – particularly on Saturdays to visit Salamanca Market," Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
"We also know that market stallholders are very keen to see the service running."
Derwent Ferries have also experienced high demand for a Saturday sailing timetable.
"Our survey that we undertook when we started operating cross-Derwent services showed that Saturday was the second most popular day for people to travel, just behind Friday," Derwent Ferries Skipper Josh Newton said.
The City of Hobart has committed funds to the summer service as part of a package to support local businesses, and is working with the City of Clarence on a potential partnership arrangement that will be discussed at the Clarence City Council meeting on 13 December.
"We're thrilled to be able to get this up and running for the holidays," Cr Reynolds said. "Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful River Derwent at a relaxed pace as part of their weekend outings.
"It also provides an option for weekend workers who would prefer to leave their cars at home.
"Ferry travel could play a huge role in our city's future transport network – the success of the weekday trial to date has shown that commuters are ready to embrace the river as a transport option.
"We hope to see this Saturday service just as well-supported, and that a more permanent expanded ferry timetable can be considered going forward."
