Falling user base and rising costs spell end of Tiger Bus

Published on 07 August 2025

The City of Launceston has made the difficult decision to discontinue the city's Tiger Bus service, which will cease at the end of October.

The free visitor and commuter service, which has been operating since 2009, will cease due to declining patronage, rising operational costs, and the availability of alternative transport options better suited to the current needs of both residents and visitors.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the service would conclude following the expiration of the current service agreement with Metro Tasmania on October 31.

"The Tiger Bus has been a part of the Launnie landscape for over 15 years, but the reality is that nowadays fewer than 4 per cent of visitors are actually using it, and the operating cost has risen to $341,748 this year — up from $304,653.97 last financial year.” Mayor Garwood said.

"The evolving transport landscape in Launceston further supports the decision made at last week's Council Meeting.

"It's not necessarily a goodbye to this free service but a 'see you later' as the City of Launceston is committed to exploring how we can better deliver more effective and accessible transport offerings that meet the needs of our community and current Tiger Bus users into the future."