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Free travel applies to

  • adult, concession, urban, non-urban, and child/student fares
  • general access services operated by Metro Tasmania, Tassielink Transit, Kinetic, Manions Coaches, Calows Coaches, Area Connect, and Derwent Ferries
  • all government contracted school bus services that charge a fare.

The Tasmanian Government has introduced this temporary measure in response to rising fuel costs.  Public transport is a great alternative to driving for many people, and this incentive encourages people to give it a go. Instead of paying for petrol and parking, you can try the bus or ferry for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I’ve never used public transport before, how does it work?

Before you travel, choose your destination and plan your trip. You can either:

When you travel,

  • You can track public buses and ferries in real time on Google Maps and other apps.
  • Arrive at the stop or wharf five to 10 minutes early.
  • For buses, wave to the driver so they know to stop, and enter through the front door.
  • Find a seat or if none are available and you need to stand, hold onto the nearest strap or pole.
  • For buses, press the button to get off.
  • Once the bus or ferry has come to a complete stop, exit safely.

2. Does free travel only apply on Metro Tasmania services?

No free travel applies to

  • general access services operated by Metro Tasmania, Tassielink Transit, Kinetic, Manions Coaches, Calows Coaches, Area Connect, and Derwent Ferries
  • all government contracted school bus services that charge a fare.

5. Do I still need to book?

Yes. Normal booking requirements apply:

Service

Booking essential?

How to book

Between Devonport, Launceston, and Hobart

Yes - essential if you want to get on or off at Bridgewater, Brighton, Kempton, Melton Mowbray, Oatlands, Tunbridge, Ross, Conara Junction, Epping Forest, Perth, or Latrobe.

Yes - recommended for all other stops to guarantee a seat.

Book travel between Devonport, Launceston and Hobart on the Kinetic (formerly Redline) website or call 1300 360 000.

Between the east coast (Coles Bay, Bicheno, St Marys, St Helens) and Launceston

Yes

Book travel between the east coast and Launceston on the Calows Coaches website or call 0400 570 036.

Between the east coast (Coles Bay, Bicheno, Swansea) and Hobart

No

Book travel between the east coast and Hobart on the Tassielink website or call 1300 300 520.

Between Burnie and the west coast

Yes - essential if you want to get on or off at Waratah.

Book travel to/from Waratah on the Tassielink website or call 1300 300 520.

Area Connect

Yes

Book travel on Area Connect services by emailing info@areaconnect.org.au or call 1300 651 948.

6. What if I pre-booked a ticket for travel during the free fare period?

Please talk to the operator you booked with to arrange for a refund of your fare.

8. Are you putting on more services?

No. We will carefully monitor capacity and encourage walking and cycling for those making short journeys.

9. Why incentivise public transport when some services aren’t reliable/running?

Public transport is an essential service, and every effort is made to maintain services based on the current timetables and routes. There is a finite supply of buses and drivers, and we are managing that to the best of our ability, as we recognise public transport is an essential service.

We are also reviewing the current Greater Hobart bus network, including urban Hobart and outlying areas such as New Norfolk, Sorell and Southern Beaches, Richmond, Campania and the Huon Valley. This review includes the public bus network currently operated by Metro, Tassielink and Kinetic and the Metro school bus network. No other school bus services are included.

The first step will be retiming services to make them more reliable and introduce new Sunday services to Brighton. We expect to make an announcement about this stage soon.

At the same time we are working to update routes and timetables to:

  • be reliable, easy to use and convenient
  • improve access to jobs and everyday needs like shopping and social activities
  • make better use of available funding to benefit the most people.

We are preparing a draft design of a new network based on community feedback collected in May and June 2025 and will continue consulting throughout 2026. You can stay up-to-date on opportunities to participate by visiting the Greater Hobart Bus Network Review project page.

10. What if the bus/ferry is too full to board?

We are carefully monitoring passenger numbers on services. We’re encouraging people to travel in off peak periods where they can or to walk or cycle if their journey is a short one. If you are an adult and the bus/ferry is looking full, you might want to consider waiting for the next service.

11. Who’s paying for this?

The Tasmanian Government is funding this initiative, which has the dual purpose of supporting family budgets and encouraging people to switch from private car travel to public transport.

12. Why only until 30 June 2026?

The Tasmanian Government has announced a temporary public transport fare free promotion to encourage people to try the bus and support family budgets.

Heavily subsidised fares are already attractive when compared to the cost of running, insuring, maintaining and parking cars. However, with this special incentive, people can save even more.