Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Dr GOODWIN

With regard to the provision of rural school bus services, are all or any school bus routes or services currently under review or due to be reviewed?  If so, when will the review be completed?  Will the outcome of any review be publicly available?  With regards to each route and service, what criteria will be used to determine whether they are viable?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the member for Murchison for her question.

The Department of State Growth undertakes an annual audit of passenger numbers through a 10-day passenger count.  Data from this audit is used to determine whether there are any services that need to be removed due to low patronage.  The 2015 audit of passenger numbers is currently underway and due to be completed in coming weeks.

The Department of State Growth has also commenced a review of public transport needs in Tasmania.  This review will inform the process of contracting for public bus transport services when current contracts begin to expire in 2018.  This review will include general access and student-only services other than Metro's urban services.  The policy framework for the review is currently being developed.  It is anticipated that engagement on the review will occur towards the middle of 2017.