Metro today announced the continuation of the extremely successful Turn Up and Go services along the Main Road corridor from Hobart CBD to Glenorchy.
Metro’s Acting-CEO Alan Pedley said the original one-year trial, begun in November last year, has been an overwhelming success.
“We have seen an 8 percent increase in patronage and a steady improvement in customer satisfaction ratings since the trial began,” Mr Pedley said. “Recognising the need to find efficiencies and given the success of the trial and high satisfaction from our passengers, the Metro Board has agreed to continue to provide the additional Turn Up and Go services beyond the expiration of the trial in November.”
Mr Pedley said the cost to Metro is estimated at approximately $600,000 per annum.
“This cost will be absorbed by Metro post November.”
Metro has undertaken a significant amount of work in planning for a revised Northern Suburbs network plan.
“Unfortunately, Metro cannot implement these service changes and also continue the Turn Up and Go services in these tight economic times,” Mr Pedley said.
Mr Pedley said the indicative cost of the revised Northern Suburbs services is in excess of $1 million per annum.
“Metro will continue to find ways to deliver a better service at a lower cost by pursuing efficiencies across the entire greater Hobart bus network.”