Bring the Tiger Bus Back!
The issue
Hi there. The City of Launceston's Free Tiger Bus was cut on the 31st of October this year, with myself being among many riding the last service. This petition calls on any relevant authorities to invest in a new free bus service around Launceston. Some potential solutions could include a free travel zone on Metro Tasmania or new dedicated services. We also seek bus service to the Cataract Gorge, which now lacks any form of public transport.
As a resident of Launceston and a former daily user of the Free Tiger Bus, this has been an incredibly disappointing move, putting profit over people. As Local Council elections are upcoming this year in October, I urge all candidates for positions to consider restoring the Free Tiger Bus as part of their policy platform.
I also call on the Tasmanian Government and our local representatives for Bass, Lyons, Rosevears, Launceston, Windermere and McIntyre to investigate future public transport upgrades for the Launceston region associated with this.
This petition is a continuation of our "Save the Tiger Bus" movement, which sought to retain the service and not cut the service.
If you want to support the movement, check out my YouTube channel on transport in Tasmania ay https://www.youtube.com/@tasmanians or joining our Discord server where discussions about this are encouraged. Share the petition with friends and family, and use #BringTheTigerBack online.
SECTION ADDED: 23/06/2026
An updated section for the 2026 local council elections. In this section we'll explain all known candidates for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councillor, and their positions on returning the Tiger Bus. If you think we've missed a candidate, reach out to me via email or comment on this petition for us to enquire to them. This election is crucial for the future of public transport in Launceston. While the Tasmanian Government implemented free public transport in April 2026 in response to rising fuel prices, and this has been extended until June 2027, this is not a permanent policy, nor does it address transit links to many destinations in Launceston, especially the Cataract Gorge. During the winter months Launceston suffers from a serious shortage of tourism, and (while I do not wish to play into the narrative of "Launceston is dying") there is a need for serious discussion about addressing this. I believe that one of the most important things that must change is better access around Launceston. Why would people come to Launceston when you can't get the bus to the airport or the Gorge, and on weekends service to destinations like the University and Museum can run as poorly as once an hour. This is a great disappointment to our city.
A note to prospective candidates & councillors - if you wish to talk to me (online or in person) about the Tiger Bus or public transport in Launceston, or to address concerns about this petition or it's contents, reach out to me at william.mckinnon.rawr@gmail.com
CANDIDATES:
Matthew Garwood - incumbent Mayor since 2023. Has stated support for a new model for the Free Tiger Bus and considers it something to implement in the next term of council
Kyle Barrett - high-profile challenger for Mayor & Councillor. After a meeting with them on 27/6, they have expressed support for a new Tiger Bus, alongside free parking initiatives outside the CBD.
Rose Diamond - candidate for Mayor & Councillor. Has stated support for a returned Tiger Bus. After a meeting on 27/6, they have expressed for a new Tiger Bus, but suggests that the service could be funded by State Government instead of the City Council.
more candidates will be added here as information spreads
693
The issue
Hi there. The City of Launceston's Free Tiger Bus was cut on the 31st of October this year, with myself being among many riding the last service. This petition calls on any relevant authorities to invest in a new free bus service around Launceston. Some potential solutions could include a free travel zone on Metro Tasmania or new dedicated services. We also seek bus service to the Cataract Gorge, which now lacks any form of public transport.
As a resident of Launceston and a former daily user of the Free Tiger Bus, this has been an incredibly disappointing move, putting profit over people. As Local Council elections are upcoming this year in October, I urge all candidates for positions to consider restoring the Free Tiger Bus as part of their policy platform.
I also call on the Tasmanian Government and our local representatives for Bass, Lyons, Rosevears, Launceston, Windermere and McIntyre to investigate future public transport upgrades for the Launceston region associated with this.
This petition is a continuation of our "Save the Tiger Bus" movement, which sought to retain the service and not cut the service.
If you want to support the movement, check out my YouTube channel on transport in Tasmania ay https://www.youtube.com/@tasmanians or joining our Discord server where discussions about this are encouraged. Share the petition with friends and family, and use #BringTheTigerBack online.
SECTION ADDED: 23/06/2026
An updated section for the 2026 local council elections. In this section we'll explain all known candidates for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councillor, and their positions on returning the Tiger Bus. If you think we've missed a candidate, reach out to me via email or comment on this petition for us to enquire to them. This election is crucial for the future of public transport in Launceston. While the Tasmanian Government implemented free public transport in April 2026 in response to rising fuel prices, and this has been extended until June 2027, this is not a permanent policy, nor does it address transit links to many destinations in Launceston, especially the Cataract Gorge. During the winter months Launceston suffers from a serious shortage of tourism, and (while I do not wish to play into the narrative of "Launceston is dying") there is a need for serious discussion about addressing this. I believe that one of the most important things that must change is better access around Launceston. Why would people come to Launceston when you can't get the bus to the airport or the Gorge, and on weekends service to destinations like the University and Museum can run as poorly as once an hour. This is a great disappointment to our city.
A note to prospective candidates & councillors - if you wish to talk to me (online or in person) about the Tiger Bus or public transport in Launceston, or to address concerns about this petition or it's contents, reach out to me at william.mckinnon.rawr@gmail.com
CANDIDATES:
Matthew Garwood - incumbent Mayor since 2023. Has stated support for a new model for the Free Tiger Bus and considers it something to implement in the next term of council
Kyle Barrett - high-profile challenger for Mayor & Councillor. After a meeting with them on 27/6, they have expressed support for a new Tiger Bus, alongside free parking initiatives outside the CBD.
Rose Diamond - candidate for Mayor & Councillor. Has stated support for a returned Tiger Bus. After a meeting on 27/6, they have expressed for a new Tiger Bus, but suggests that the service could be funded by State Government instead of the City Council.
more candidates will be added here as information spreads
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Petition created on 31 July 2025