More bus services in Gagebrook-Herdsmans Cove axed after attack

More bus services have been cut after another attack on a bus. A Metro employee has spoken out about the stress of the job, comparing the incidents to ‘domestic terrorism’.

The aftermath of Wednesday night's rock-throwing incident on the East Derwent Highway, one rock piercing through the windshield. Picture: supplied.

Metro Tasmania will add further suspensions to bus routes in Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove following another rock-throwing incident on Wednesday.

Services to the two suburbs will now suspend after 5pm from May 13 instead of the current 7pm suspension.

Route 522 will now commence and terminate at Cove Hill Fair after 5pm while routes 530, X30 and 696 will commence and terminate at Old Beach after 5pm.

This comes after a Metro Bus driver narrowly escaped injury on Wednesday night when a group of assailants located on the side of the East Derwent Highway near Jordan River Bridge through five rocks at the windshield, one piercing the glass.

A Metro employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, has told the Mercury that the stress from these ongoing violent incidents is taking a toll on the workforce, with some bus routes left unmanned as numerous employees take stress leave.

“These ongoing incidents amount to domestic terrorism,” the employee said.

Metro has confirmed it is still working with Tasmania Police on the growing incidents of vandalism and violence, stating it appreciates the public’s understanding as it takes “this step to protect the safety of our drivers and customers”.

A Tasmania Police spokesperson said they were investigating the incidents.

A further breakdown of route changes can be found on Metro’s Facebook page or website.

More bus-rock attacks halt Gagebrook services

Initial: Metro services suspensions in Gagebrook will remain in place after a rock was thrown through the windshield of a Metro bus, a “shaken” driver operating the vehicle at the time.

A driver on-board a bus travelling over the Jordan River Bridge on the Eastern Derwent Highway towards Bridgewater reportedly noticed a group of youths along the roadside before five rocks were thrown at the bus’ windshield, one breaking through the glass.

The Mercury understands no passengers were on-board at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported by the bus driver, with photos of the windscreen provided to Metro management.

Rosny bus mall, Metro bus and Tasmania Police. Picture: Chris Kidd

This comes after an April suspension on late-night Gagebrook services by Metro following previous rock-throwing incidents.

A Metro spokesman confirmed that Gagebrook service suspensions would remain in place, not highlighting any further bans to the suburb.

“This is not a decision Metro takes lightly, but we remain focused on the safety of our staff and customers,” the spokesman said.

Metro Tasmania CEO Katie Cooper. Picture: Chris Kidd

Hobart Taxi Drivers Association president Li Joy has previously spoken up in support of public transport workers’ safety in the face of a spike in violent crimes, stating all public transport workers need to band together to protect themselves.

“Bus drivers are more vulnerable when it is just themselves to protect 40 other passengers,” he said.

“They have no protection against these incidents or violent people either, security and police presence is just a band-aid for what is a widespread problem.”

Mr Joy said allowing this growing violence towards transport workers to continue would “indirectly effect” the state’s tourism and economy.

“My own wife won’t get on the bus now because of the violence and fear of what can occur,” he said.

Bus traffic in Elizabeth Street in Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

“Tourists are being scared away from areas and bus drivers and taxi drivers alike are leaving Tasmania in droves because of this issue.”

Police have confirmed they will be investigating the incident as well as continuing their regular patrols of areas where “issues have been identified by Metro staff”.

“Tasmania Police officers stationed at Metro work collaboratively with bus drivers and Metro management to investigate and resolve issues as they arise, with the support of local police,” a Police spokeswoman said.

“Police are calling for members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have any dashcam footage of people at the Jordan River Bridge around 8pm to come forward.”

Originally published as More bus services in Gagebrook-Herdsmans Cove axed after attack