Network review

On 3 May 2026 we’re updating bus timings to be more reliable and introducing new Sunday services to Brighton because this was a 2024 government election commitment.

The next step is using the feedback we gathered in 2025 to design bigger network changes. This includes changing where buses go, when, how often, and how trips link together. We’re working on a draft new network now and will continue consulting throughout 2026 so you will be able to have your say.

We looked at a year’s worth of operational data from Metro, Kinetic and Tassielink to see how long each bus trip actually takes and then established more realistic travel times. We also engaged with operators to understand other things the data might not show clearly.

Greater Hobart has grown and changed a lot since the bus network was last thoroughly reviewed in 2015. Matching timings with what’s happening on the roads should help buses arrive when they’re supposed to and start their next trip on time, instead of running late. That makes it easier to rely on what the timetable says.

You can plan future journeys using Metro’s Trip Planner or journey planning apps from now. Preview new general access (public) timetables on the Transport website.  Preview new Metro school bus timetables on the Metro website.

We’re introducing new Sunday services to Brighton on 3 May 2026. There are no other changes to where services go (routes), or how often (service frequency) as part of this step. Changing routes and services is part of the next step.

There will be 21 new services between Brighton and Bridgewater/Glenorchy on Sundays. These services will mirror the current hourly Saturday timetable, making it easier for the community to travel on weekends. There will be 10 trips from Brighton to Bridgewater, one trip from Brighton to Glenorchy, and 10 trips towards Brighton. You can preview the new Brighton timetable now.

No. Through careful analysis we have been able to find enough efficiency to fit extra travel time across the network each day without reducing the number of trips.

We used operational data and insights from Metro, Kinetic and Tassielink rather than public consultation to reschedule services for more accurate travel time and more efficient delivery, because this is highly technical, data informed work. Instead, we’re using public consultation to help us design new future routes and timetables. This means changing where buses go, when, how often, and how trips link together.

In early-2024 we asked bus operators, councils, and education stakeholders to identify network challenges and current or future changes to population, land use, and travel patterns. In mid-2025 we asked the broader community how the current network is working and how it can be improved.

We will continue consulting throughout 2026 and you will be able to have your say.

We always welcome feedback about public transport in Tasmania. You can tell us what you think by:

• calling 6166 3343
• emailing ptfeedback@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
• using this online form

Greater Hobart has changed a lot since the network was last thoroughly reviewed in 2015. It takes time to complete this highly detailed, technical work, and it’s important we get it right, as we can’t make updates too often.

A multi-phased approach means we can deliver some improvements now, without waiting for the broader network review to be completed. For example, introducing Brighton Sunday services as soon as possible is fairer for Brighton residents because it makes timetables consistent with similar sized communities like Sorell and New Norfolk.

Yes, we are retiming school bus services operated by Metro, in addition to public buses that you might use to get to school. Other school bus services will not change. If your school is impacted, we will work them directly, so talk to your school for details.

No, this review only includes buses. We will consider the ferry timetable as part of the next contract for the ferry service.

We recognise that different timetables on Monday to Thursday compared to Friday creates confusion. We’re working towards more consistent Monday to Friday timetables as part of the next step.

No. Public transport is free from Monday, 30 March to Tuesday, 30 June 2026. This 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.

The Tasmanian Government has introduced this temporary measure in response to rising fuel costs. To learn more, visit the fares page.

We’re working to make public transport more convenient by providing more payment choices, quicker boarding and more efficient fare calculation.

On 8 December 2025, we started trialling contactless tap on tap off ticketing for single trip adult full fares on all Derwent Ferries services between Bellerive and Hobart.

For now, keep using your usual payment method for:

• concession, child, and group fares on these services
• if you’re transferring to / from a bus
• all other public transport.

For updates visit the common ticketing project page.

Everyone has a right to be safe on public transport, and all public transport operators have conditions of travel which set out acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

Antisocial behaviour including violence, harassment, abuse, disorderly conduct, and aggression is not tolerated and can result in an offending passenger being removed from the bus and, if appropriate, banned from travelling in future.

A Transit Officer pilot program began in southern Tasmania in early 2023. Since then, Transit Officers have travelled on over 30,000 bus trips, calming disturbances and helping police with serious incidents. In the 2025-26 State Budget, government committed $2.38 million a year in recurrent funding to support the roll out of Transit Officers statewide.

If you experience or witness antisocial behaviour on the bus, report it to the bus driver, contact your operator, or (if it’s a crime or offence), contact the police.

Smaller buses can work well for services where trips are booked in advance, such as Area Connect services in regional areas. For regular public transport, using different bus sizes makes planning and scheduling harder.

A single, consistent fleet is easier to manage and adjust when demand changes. Large buses are needed at busy times, so all drivers must be trained to drive them. Having a separate minibus fleet would mean extra training and could cause rostering problems, like drivers needing to return to depots to change vehicles.

Minibuses also offer less space and accessibility. They may not suit passengers with wheelchairs, prams, shopping, or mobility challenges who need easy boarding and comfortable seating.

The Tasmanian Government is proposing a rapid bus network for Greater Hobart’s future, which is being investigated by the Department of State Growth. This is a long-term project that is part of a strategic approach to Hobart’s transport future.

Rapid bus networks use special dedicated bus lanes and priority measures on regular roads to move passengers quickly and often. They usually run frequent services between busy areas and have purpose-built stations for easy access.

The Greater Hobart Rapid Bus Network Strategic Business Case was released in early 2026. The business case is the first significant step to securing funding to deliver the rapid bus network in stages over the coming 10-15 years. The next step will be to develop a detailed business case for stage one of the rapid bus network through the northern suburbs, including a section of the old railway corridor.

No decisions have been made on exact routes or station locations as yet and this will be part of the considerations for the detailed business case. The existing bus network could be adapted around these new services to connect passengers to them or avoid duplication, but there are no current plans to make changes.

To see FAQs and download either the Strategic Business Case or a Summary document, visit the Rapid Bus project page.

A transport study has assessed how people will travel to, from, and around the stadium on both event and non-event days. It showed the location of the stadium will make it easy to access via existing bus stops, ferry services, active transport links, and city parking.

An Events Transport Management Plan will also be in place to manage crowds and traffic, building on current emergency and incident plans to keep people moving.