Accessible public transport is a crucial part of modern life. It facilitates access to employment opportunities, education, essential services, and to community participation. The importance of public transport is particularly pronounced for the most vulnerable.

Tasmania’s public transport network was once among the most advanced in the southern hemisphere, but it now ranks among the least advanced in Australia alone. On a per capita basis, the Tasmanian Government contributes the least of any jurisdiction in Australia towards routine public transport services, and the second lowest proportion of its state budget.

Apart from tinkering around the edges of the existing bus network, Tasmania has seen no meaningful investments in public transport in decades. This comes as mainland states and capital cities, including those of comparable population to Hobart, make significant steps towards expanding their public transport networks.

Ahead of Tasmania’s 2024 election, this report describes this story of neglect, and charts a course forward for the state’s public transport system.

Key findings:

• Public transport service routine spending and investment have positive economic externalities. Tasmania’s relative economic underperformance and low levels of public investment suggest that public transport investment would bring substantial returns.
• High levels of anti-social behaviour by commuters, recurring driver turnover, congestion and opaque contractual arrangements are undermining the quality, reliability and safety of Hobart’s bus network.
• Even since the signing of the ‘Hobart City Deal’ in 2019 which committed to a ‘reliable, sustainable, and cost effective’ transport system, there have been no meaningful investments in Hobart’s public transport system in decades. This comes as mainland jurisdictions continue to aggressively invest in modern transport infrastructure.
• Tasmania’s existing network is inequitable and fails to adequately service areas of greatest need.