The Tasmanian government has announced up to 10 new ferry stops along the River Derwent as part of expansion plans for Hobart’s ferry system.
The route between Bellerive and Hobart celebrated its second birthday last week and Minister for Transport Michael Ferguson said the government was close to finalising its draft Derwent Ferry Masterplan.
Once the plan is finished, the government will discuss the best sites for potential new stops with the greater Hobart councils and Marine and Safety Tasmania.
Around 30 sites are in the running. Successful sites will need to show demand equivalent to the current route and potential to reduce traffic congestion.
In its first two years, Derwent Ferries carried more than 250,000 passengers and is using larger ferries than envisaged in order to meet demand.
The ferry allows bicycles on board, which encourages people who don't live close to a stop to catch public transport rather than drive.
Bicycle Network his written a letter of support for the greater Hobart councils for $20 million in federal government funding for expansion of the network, pointing out the need for secure bike parking at all terminals and easy access via All Ages and Abilities infrastructure.
The Bellerive terminal has bicycle hoops so passengers can lock up their bikes, but there is no extra level of security, which exists at other long-term bike parking sites around the country. No ferry-specific bike parking is provided at Hobart.
The ferry terminals could use the system of cages with secure access, soon to be rolled out in the Hobart Park and Ride bus stops, or move straight to electronic docks or lockers.
Providing secure bike parking is important as it assures passengers their bike will be there when they return. Not everyone can take a bike on board and store it securely at the other end.