Kinetic is poised to open its newly-refurbished bus depot in Launceston, marking its continued investment in Tasmania’s transport system. As a privately-owned government bus contractor, its network in Tasmania now includes 209 buses and 250 people.
Tasmania has been a major growth area for Kinetic’s Australian business. Since launching SkyBus at Hobart Airport in 2018, Kinetic has welcomed new bus operations to its network including Redline Coaches and MerseyLink as it becomes a key transport delivery partner for the Tasmanian Government.
Kinetic is continuing to increase its staff base across the State and will seek opportunities to partner with the Tasmanian Government to enhance bus network infrastructure.
The new-look Launceston depot is among three of Kinetic’s major depots across the State, and will support Kinetic’s current and future operations as the Company continues to invest in its people, assets, and places of work, while lifting the customer experience on Tasmania’s important bus network.
It signals the start of a program of circa $10 million in capital investments planned for Tasmania in the next 18 months, including fleet and depot upgrades. The works include an overhaul of the Company’s Hobart depot, upgrades to key transit centres in Hobart and Launceston, and introduction of new vehicle livery and uniforms reflecting Kinetic’s brand.
To drive the transformative improvements, Kinetic recently appointed General Manager for Tasmania, Drew Freeman, who will ensure activities focus on enhancing service delivery and customer experience on transport services.
Mr Freeman has held senior logistics and management roles across a range of industry sectors including transport and logistics, agribusiness, fuel, construction, trade and retail. Prior to joining Kinetic, Mr Freeman was the General Manager of Statewide Independent Wholesalers Ltd.
The Launceston depot is the strategic centre of the bus network Kinetic operates, with key depots in Hobart and Devonport also supporting its delivery of government-contracted school and general access services, as well as tourism charters, general charters and event services across Tasmania.
The depot overhaul features brand-new amenities for drivers and support teams, new office space for network controllers, management and sales teams and enhanced maintenance and wash-bay facilities to keep the locally-based vehicles on the road. It also features capacity for an additional 40 vehicles.
The site was also the main hub for the successful coordination of Kinetic’s bus solution for the 2022 Special Olympics National Games in Launceston, ensuring the safe journeys of 750 athletes, volunteers, support staff, coaches, and families.
Mr Freeman said the Launceston depot upgrade was another sign of Kinetic’s continued investment in making public transport services in Tasmania safer, more reliable, and sustainable.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Kinetic at such an exciting time for transport in Tasmania as we partner with the State Government to drive improvements that enhance this vital piece of social infrastructure for both locals and tourists alike,” Mr Freeman said.
“This is about encouraging more people to get out of their cars and onto public transport by lifting the travel experience and making our solution clean and green for generations to come.
“We have a dedicated, talented and growing team of transport professionals on the ground working closely with all of our stakeholders, listening to their needs, and building positive relationships to ensure we are actively involved in the community.
“This was demonstrated recently when our drivers and support staff came together from across the State, and even from Victoria, to support in the delivery of the Special Olympics, showing the team’s passion and commitment to what we do,” Mr Freeman added.
Earlier this year, Kinetic also launched Tasmania’s first two battery electric buses (BEBs) as part of its broader commitment to have at least 300 BEBs operating in Australia and New Zealand by the end of 2023, as the largest owner and operator of zero-emission buses.
Kinetic Co-CEO, Michael Sewards said Kinetic would continue to show it is committed to investment in cleaner and greener transport options for Tasmanians.
“Launching the first two battery electric buses on our SkyBus service was a significant milestone for Tasmania, giving visitors landing at Hobart Airport a green and clean welcome into the State which prides itself on its natural beauty and environmental conservation,” Mr Sewards said.
“Like in other parts of Australasia where we are transitioning from diesel buses to zero emission buses including Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch and regional Queensland, we have seen a positive response from government and the community, and we are committed to addressing our climate crises by investing in our depots, buses, and infrastructure assets to ensure we meet the transport needs of future generations.”
