New vision for city transport puts more choice in the hands of Hobart

Published on 23 July 2024

You drive, you walk, you ride, you scoot, you ferry, you bus.

Transport in Hobart is about how you like it, so we’re delivering more transport choices for your city.

The Hobart City Council has endorsed the Hobart Transport Strategy 2024, designed to foster the development and implementation of an integrated, climate-ready, and efficient transport and land use system.

Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Dr. Zelinda Sherlock said this was a significant initiative.

"Our vision is to create a city where everyone has effective, safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly ways to move and connect,” Cr Dr Sherlock said.

“The Hobart Transport Strategy 2024 is a bold step towards making this vision a reality, ensuring that our transport network meets the needs of all Hobartians."

The strategy has a clear implementation plan with 71 actions across all themes and focus areas and includes actions that will see the city partner with key stakeholders to deliver.

RACT General Manager Advocacy & Government Relations Melinda Percival said: “RACT is pleased to see the approval of the Hobart Transport Strategy 2024.

“We’ve long advocated for a well-planned and robust transport network, as we know it is essential for the sustainable growth and development of our city.

"We’re supportive of initiatives that promote alternative modes of transport, enabling people to access and live around our capital efficiently.

“It’s crucial to address the current levels of congestion by reducing reliance on cars and encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and walking.

"There is a pressing need for a strategic and coordinated approach to transport across Greater Hobart.

“This strategy must ensure seamless travel across council boundaries, making it easier for residents to commute to work, school, and other essential services.

“We look forward to collaborating with the City of Hobart and other Greater Hobart councils to achieve these goals."

Cr Ryan Posselt, City Mobility Portfolio Chair, said the strategy included flexible and inclusive transport options for everyone.

"Transport choice means that when we need to get from A to B, we have a variety of options at our disposal that are safe, efficient and comfortable to use,” Cr Posselt said.

“This strategy not only focuses on improving our current transport infrastructure but also encourages and enables behaviour change towards more sustainable and healthier travel choices."

The Hobart Transport Strategy 2024 is underpinned by core values such as encouraging behaviour change, preparing for climate-ready transport, ensuring safe and healthy streets for all, and leveraging emerging trends to enhance the city.

Cr Dr Sherlock also spoke about the benefits of travel behaviour change.

"Encouraging people to try new ways of travelling can lead to less congestion, reduced travel expenses, lower emissions and healthier individuals,” Cr Dr Sherlock said.

“It's about making it easier for people to make choices that benefit not just themselves but the entire community."

Cr Posselt added: "Our transport network needs to be managed effectively as our population changes.

“Investing in infrastructure provides opportunities for people to experience the benefits of walking, riding, and taking public transport, enhancing Hobart's liveability and productivity and freeing up critical road space for those who choose to drive."

The City of Hobart will lead by example by refreshing the City's workplace travel plan and improving communications around transport options for people.

Additionally, the City will empower the community by publishing journey to work data and supporting more data informed decision making in the development of transport improvements.

Community and key stakeholder feedback on the draft Transport Strategy guided a shortlist of key actions from the implementation plan to deliver improvements across all transport modes in the short term.

The Hobart Transport Strategy 2024 can be found here.