Spirit of Tasmania Should Be a “Highway,” Not a Luxury Cruise 🚢
A former Hobart mayor says the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service should be treated like a highway link for locals not a luxury cruise for tourists.
Ron Christie has launched a petition calling for cheaper ferry fares for Tasmanian residents, arguing the Bass Strait route is an essential transport connection between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
For many locals, the ferry isn’t a holiday experience. It’s how people travel to the mainland for medical appointments, work, education, and family visits.
Christie says Tasmanian taxpayers already help fund the ferry service, so residents should receive discounted travel similar to local ferry systems elsewhere, like Bruny Island where locals pay significantly less than visitors.
The debate comes as the new Spirit of Tasmania ships face rising costs and delays, putting the ferry service under renewed political scrutiny.
The Tasmanian Government says the Spirit operates in a competitive travel market alongside airlines, and there are currently no plans to introduce special fares for residents.
Christie hopes to gather 100,000 signatures before the next state election potentially turning Bass Strait travel costs into a major political issue.
Should the Spirit of Tasmania be treated like a public highway connection… or a tourism service?
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