- Media Release
The West Coast Council is pleased to announce that a 12-month inter-town transport trial, funded by the Tasmanian Government with a $100,000 grant, is due to commence on 25th February 2020, with the service being delivered by local company, Roam Wild.
The trial will deliver on long awaited plans to implement an inter-town transport system that will allow West Coasters access to a Tuesday and Thursday bus service at an affordable price, travelling between all West Coast towns. The travel timetable, which will be available on Roam Wild’s website, is designed to allow maximum access to town services and promotes inter-town travel on the West Coast as well as accommodating for chartered transfers to Cradle Mountain, Wynyard Airport and Devonport Airport for either drop-off or pick-up on Tuesdays.
Roam Wild will operate two buses under an agreement with West Coast Council, one vehicle will be based in Strahan and the other based in Queenstown. The service will be available for on demand bookings and will also be able to flexibly cater for festivals and special one-off West Coast events. As the trial progresses, the current timetable may undergo adjustments or revisions depending on frequency of use, local demand and numbers of residents using the service. Variations in the timetable and service provided will also support the aim of the trial, to understand the type of service that West Coasters need and will use.
Mayor Phil Vickers welcomes the arrival of the service saying, “The community has voiced loud and clear their preference for a bus service that allows easy and affordable travel between West Coast towns. As a Council we thank the Tasmanian Government for providing funding to run this trial, I anticipate that the service will be well supported by the community and visitors alike. It is important that as a West Coast we support each town equally and promote cooperation and inter-town initiatives as made clear in the West Coast Community Plan 2025, this bus service is an important step in realising our goal to provide easy, accessible and affordable travel for our residents.”
The new bus timetable will soon be available for viewing on Roam Wild’s website:
https://www.roamwild.com.au/wildernesstasmaniapassengerservice