Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Transport spokesperson
Hobart's traffic woes will only be remedied sustainably for the long term if all three tiers of government make a commitment to investing in public transport infrastructure, including more buses to more routes, Light Rail, cycleways and potentially, ferries on the Derwent.
The congestion on our streets is in significant part the consequence of decades of under investment in public transport and a blind attachment to building more roads, or expanding roads, and approving multi-storey CBD parking without enough thought for the congestion consequences.
The Transport Minister hasn't yet spoken much about investment in public transport or the impact of Metro changes on congestion this year.
We've heard much from him on tweaking inner city roads and the timing of construction works, but it seems he would rather not talk about making it easier for people to get in to and around the city without their cars.
The reality is that an affordable. efficient public transport system would ease the stress being experienced by commuters in Southern Tasmania.
A real transport solution must involve an integrated and multi-faceted public transport system for Tasmania.
User friendly and efficient public transport networks are a key part of growing towns and liveable cities around the world.
The Liberals need to realise that the answer isn't always roads and cars, and more roads, then more cars.