The Tasmanian Liberal Government is forging ahead with delivering enhanced public transport options for commuters.

There is no doubt the Derwent Ferry service – delivered by the Tasmanian Liberal Government - has been an outstanding success.

Commuters have responded strongly to the fast, convenient and comfortable service between Bellerive and Hobart, with more than 110,000 passengers in its first year of operation.

Such is the success of the service, we have committed a further $19 million over four years to lock it in permanently and improve facilities at Bellerive.

Now, the Liberal Government is pleased to announce our decision to introduce a Saturday service to further boost travelling options for Tasmanians.

We know the temporary Saturday ferry last summer proved popular, and people are keen to continue to use such a service to reach attractions such as markets, cafes and attractions on both sides of the Derwent.

Our candidate for Pembroke in the Legislative Council by-election, Gregory Brown, has actively lobbied on behalf of his community for these extra services and I commend him for his genuine efforts.

Further detail regarding the timetable for the Saturday service will be released in coming weeks and operating by summer.

Fares will be equivalent to the Metro single zone bus rate: a full adult fare is $3.50, or $2.80 if using a Greencard, and concession fares are $2.40, or $1.92 with a Greencard. Children and student fares are $1.90 or just $1.52 with a Greencard.

Using a Greencard on the Derwent Ferry service also means the standard 90-minute transfer period applies, the same as on Metro buses, meaning passengers can transfer to or from a bus as part of the single journey to minimise travel costs.

In addition, the Tasmanian Liberal Government looks forward to working closely with the Federal Government on its election promise of $20 million for additional ferry terminals. I hope to see this promise honoured in the October budget.

We’ve already started working closely with the Greater Hobart councils to examine the viability of extending services to additional locations on the river.

This engagement centres on a framework to determine the level of commuter demand for any proposed route and the level of co-investment from local councils in appropriate wharf and other landside infrastructure.

The framework outlines the standards that partnership proposal by councils will need to meet, and ensures that all proposals are assessed equally.

The Derwent River ferry service is an initiative under the Hobart Transport Vision being delivered through the $1.6 billion Hobart City Deal between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments and the Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough Councils.