Ms BURNET – What is State Growth’s involvement in the trial with the security screens?
Mr ABETZ – As I understand it, money was provided, then it’s for Metro and Metro management to work that out with their drivers. That’s why these questions are best asked at the Metro scrutiny hearings.
Ms BURNET – Minister, the Circular Economy Huon – you might be aware of it ‑ Jerry White and former councillor Jenny Cambers‑Smith are heavily involved and interested in transit and transport options. One of their concerns that they constantly raise is that ability to move from ‘point A to point B’ in the Huon Valley, through Kingston and up to the city. They wanted to do a trial on transport, or transit, on‑demand. Could you give the committee some answers as to whether that kind of trial is a possibility?
Mr ABETZ – Any trial is a possibility. I’m not sure what we are currently minded to engage.
Ms HEYDON – I’ll say that we don’t have on‑demand trials planned. Part of what we’re looking at with the broader Greater Hobart bus review is to understand what the needs are. That could be, what is the best response – be it a traditional sort of route bus service or an alternative. It is part of the conversation we’d be looking to have, because part of that network review will be talking with communities and talking with key stakeholders. I will say that we’re open to hearing and part of that will then look at, from a design perspective, how we can best meet the needs of the community.
Ms BURNET – I’m very pleased to hear that you’re open to that, because it’s a very simple and cost‑effective approach. Whilst the Southern Outlet lanes are a very expensive option, it is really important that it’s considered – all of those public transport and modal shifts are considered.
