Bass Strait ferry popularity growing

Passenger numbers on the Bass Strait ferry service have grown by 16 per cent over the past two years, says Tasmania's Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding.

For the 2014/15 financial year 384,501 people travelled on the two Spirit of Tasmania vessels, up from some 330,000 in 2012/13, he told parliament on Thursday.

"I am delighted to report that the trend in passenger numbers on the Spirit of Tasmania has turned sharply upward," Mr Hidding said, adding that a recent refurbishment of the two vessels will further drive bookings.