DERWENT Valley bus services would be increased on a 12-month trial basis, Sustainable Transport and Alternative Energy Minister Nick McKim said yesterday. Mr McKim announced "funding agreements" that would trial new services to the Huon and Derwent Valleys, the Tasman Peninsula and East Coast.
“The trials will be for 12 months and are an important step in improving bus services for all Tasmanians,” Mr McKim said. “After community consultation, and market research, operators have identified routes and times where they believe there is significant unmet demand. “For example, O’Driscoll Coaches will be introducing new Sunday services, additional Saturday services and extra weekday evening services operating between the Derwent Valley and Hobart."
Mr McKim said State Government seed funding would provide sufficient time during which passenger numbers could grow to support ongoing operations. “Expanding services into unproven markets is not without risk. The long-term viability of these services will depend on the individual operator’s professionalism, the quality of service delivered and community support. Passenger numbers are the key and the long term future of these services really is in the hands of bus patrons. I would now strongly encourage these communities to support their local operator and the environment by making use of the new services.”
Mr McKim said other new services would be announced as more funding agreements were reached.
For full details of the new Derwent Valley services visit the O'Driscoll Coaches Derwent Valley Link website here.
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