ALL ABOARD LABOR S LONG TERM PASSENGER TRANSPORT STRATEGY

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1 ALL ABOARD LABOR S LONG TERM PASSENGER TRANSPORT STRATEGY

2 Revitalising Passenger Transport Increasing traffic congestion in our cities and a lack of transport services in our regional towns is frustrating commuters and costing our economy millions. All Aboard, Labor s long term passenger transport strategy will increase investment in passenger transport by $60 million over ten years and reduce our dependence on the family car by offering commuters fast and efficient passenger transport alternatives. This critical shift in commuter behaviour will reduce pressure on transport networks and, over time, save billions of dollars in additional road infrastructure. In recent years, exciting new passenger transport concepts - including rapid bus, light rail and ferry services - have been enthusiastically proposed but these projects need substantial new investment to become reality. Travel Smarter Labor will make passenger transport a smarter option for all Tasmanians. Labor will invest in critical new infrastructure and dramatically lift our expectations of Government owned and supported public transport providers. Our goal is to increase full-fare paying passenger numbers by 50% over ten years. Currently the Tasmanian Government spends $70 million on bus administration and concessions every year. Labor s strategy to increase full-fare passenger numbers by 50% will generate significant budget savings and place our state-owned transport providers on a sustainable footing. Transforming Transport Passenger In our first term in office, an elected Labor Government will create a new Passenger Transport Corporation with state-wide responsibility for integration, co-ordination and contracting of mass transit passenger services. Incorporating the operations and functions of Metro Tasmania and the Passenger Transport Services Unit, this new state-owned corporation, will be chartered to fully integrate the state s public transport network.

3 The Corporation will assume responsibility for all public transport services and the efficient management of government concession funding. Under Labor s strategy, community service obligations for state-owned passenger transport providers will be reviewed with the aim of improving transport services for regional communities. Importantly, the Board of the Corporation will include representatives from regional bodies, community groups and peak industry groups. The Corporation s expanded charter will ensure public and private operators are given equal opportunity to service the new passenger transport network. And to protect existing operators, current government contracts will be extended or maintained for a transition period of five years. Labor will allocate $5 million over two years for the establishment of the Passenger Transport Corporation. Integrated Ticketing The Corporation will modernise the existing Greencard ticketing system to enable integrated one-ticket only travel anywhere in Tasmania. Labor will support our tourism industry by offering visitors new ticketing facilities at access points and seamless, integrated travel to destinations around Tasmania. Labor s strategy will allow easy incorporation of future transport modes, including ferries and passenger rail. Labor will allocate $5 million to the Corporation over three years for ticketing integration.

4 21st Century Transport Labor s open data policy will enable local software producers to develop real-time smart phone and home computer apps so passengers can benefit fully from a new integrated network. The Corporation will enhance passenger services by improving on-street bus stop accessibility in urban areas and making rural school bus stops safer to use. Interchange facilities will be modernised with new real-time bus stop digital displays and improved passenger comfort and amenity. Labor will allocate $10 million over ten years to enhance interchange and bus stop infrastructure, develop real time apps and install digital displays. Smart Suburban Fleet Labor believes it is time to rethink how suburban commuters are connected to high volume bus corridors. Our strategy includes a pilot-fleet of smaller, more agile and fuel efficient connector buses in key suburban zones. Existing buses will continue to service high frequency routes on main corridors whilst connector buses circulate suburban networks at varying frequencies depending on demand. This system has the potential to significantly reduce commuter travel times and the expansion of this system will enable commuters to connect with future services including ferries and passenger rail. Labor will allocate an additional $5 million for a new suburban buses over ten years. Better Buses for Existing Routes The Corporation will fund the expansion of the existing Metro fleet to accommodate expected growth in passenger numbers. Labor will allocate $6 million over ten years for additional fleet upgrades. TasmanianLabor

5 Developing Hobart s Rail Corridor Labor will invest in the protection of the Brighton to Hobart rail corridor to enable future transport and urban renewal options. In Labor s first term, the Corporation will be funded to transfer existing corridor ownership from TasRail to the Corporation. Labor will ensure the corridor is protected for future passenger transport uses and we will commence significant make ready works to attract new investment. Labor will allocate $14 million in its first term for significant make ready works on the Hobart rail corridor. Enhanced commuter services in Launceston and Burnie The University of Tasmania s expansion into the Launceston and Burnie CBD s will substantially increase commuter traffic. Labor will develop new, high-frequency bus services to ease congestion for commuters and improve access for students. Labor will allocate $4 million over ten years to improve commuter services in Burnie and Launceston. Sorell Service A Majority Labor Government will introduce Metro-like services to Sorell and surrounding areas. Labor s All Aboard Passenger Transport Strategy will deliver more frequent services and integrate ticketing, timetables and fares with Metro Tasmania. Now is the perfect time to introduce more frequent services to one of the fastest growing regions of the State. Bus contracts are currently being renegotiated for a five-year period, with an optional five-year extension. Labor will allocate $2 million for additional establishment and running

6 costs, subject to final negotiations with an operator. This is a modest investment in comparison to the Liberal Party s desperate election promise to duplicate the Sorell causeways, which could cost upwards of $100 million, if it is delivered at all. Unlike the Liberals unrealistic road plan, additional busses could be easing the congestion between Sorell and Hobart within months. Each bus operating on the route will result in around 20 cars being taken out of traffic, including off the Tasman Bridge. Commuters will be able to catch more frequent services during peak times and change onto Metro services on the same ticket or Greencard. Fares will be consistent with Metro Tasmania s existing fare structure. Labor s investment will help to remove barriers to expansion of what is already one of the fastest growing suburbs in Tasmania. Labor s $22 million investment in Sorell High School will provide better services in the area by reducing students commuting out of area. When coupled with our commitment to real infrastructure solutions like the Hobart Airport interchange and Midway Point Roundabout, better public transport will provide a real traffic solution for the South East. Student Transport Labor believes transport to school is an essential community service obligation and will offer rural and urban students free transport. Labor s commitment is limited to transport to and from a student s nearest school that is best aligned to family preference. Where a student enrols in a school further from their nearest applicable option the full concession fare price will apply. Labor has allocated an additional $9 million for initial concession support. *All Labor policies will be submitted to Treasury for costing prior to the next election in accordance with the Charter of Budget Responsibility Act 2007.

7 For more information go to taslabor.com Authorised by B. Green, Parliament House, Hobart.