No plans to stop Gagebrook buses after three rock-throwing attacks, unions concerned for driver safety

Bus services to some northern suburbs have been axed once again after another spate of rock-throwing incidents. The latest.

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

Metro has again suspended bus services to Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove following recent rock-throwing incidents in the area.

The state-owned company announced on its social media platforms on Tuesday that services would be suspended from 8pm Tuesday until further notice to “prioritise the safety of our customers and bus drivers”.

“This partial suspension will be effective from tonight and will remain in place until further notice as we continue to monitor the situation,” a Metro spokesperson said.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor safety incidents and prioritise the safety of our drivers and customers.”

It comes just six months after Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove services were suspended in April due to previously recurring rock-throwing attacks on buses.

Route 522 will now commence and terminate at Cove Hill Fair at 8pm.

Customers are encouraged to head to Metro’s website for further information.

A Metro spokesperson confirmed three rock-throwing incidents in and around the area over the past 24 hours prompted the suspension.

““Metro will continue to closely monitor the situation,” the spokesperson said.

“The suspension of services will remain in place until further notice.”

Another spate of rock-throwing attacks raises concerns

INITIAL: Safety will be one of the prime concerns, a transport union says, during ongoing negotiations with Metro as it confirms three rock-throwing attacks over the last two weeks.

Three separate incidents in undisclosed suburbs have been recorded, two believed to have occurred in the Gagebrook area where previous recurring rock-throwing incidents earlier in the year resulted in the suspension of services to the area.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmanian branch secretary Byron Cubit said on Monday that the RTBU was monitoring the situation closely.

“Our priority is to keep drivers safe,” he said.

“Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.”

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Tasmanian branch secretary Byron Cubit. Picture: Supplied

Mr Cubit said more needed to be done by Metro to address this anti-social behaviour and actions endangering drivers and passengers.

A Metro spokesman confirmed that Metro was aware of one rock-throwing event in the Gagebrook / Herdsman Cove area in recent weeks, with “minimal damage sustained to a Metro vehicle”.

However, it said while it strongly condemns acts of violence or anti-social behaviour and is monitoring the situation, “it has no plans to withdraw services at this time”.

“The issue of anti-social behaviour in the community is not one for Metro to manage on its own,” the spokesman said.

“It is a community-wide issue but one that Metro is engaging with community stakeholders and Tasmania Police on.

“Metro is planning to introduce security screens for operators.

“ It has consulted widely to ensure the screens are as safe as practicable.

“It has now finalised its consultation and will now move this project into the implementation phase.”

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

The RTBU alongside the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Services Union announced in August that it would join the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union Tasmanian branch in taking industrial action against Metro.

Part of the ongoing discussion of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBA) for Metro employees included worker and driver safety as part of retaining current employees.

Discussions in early 2023 included the set up of a Safe Public Transport Working Group involving Metro Tasmania, private operators, the Department of State Growth, local councils, Tasmanian Police and the RTBU to examine potential solutions.

Some solutions included the trial and then installation of transit safety officers to bus services, which Mr Cubit said has still not been implemented in a full-time capacity.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz speaks to the media at Parliament Square in Hobart on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the Tasmanian Government is delivering an $8.1 million package to support Metro Tasmania, which covers a range of initiatives including personal safety.

“The transit officer program is currently across all general access operators in the south of the state,” he said.

“$2 million was allocated to the Department of State Growth to undertake the necessary work to prepare for the expansion of transit officers statewide.

“This work is underway.”

While there was no timeline provided for when transit officers may be instated, government funding of $2.1 million has been provided to Metro to introduce security screens for drivers. “We understand Metro has now finalised consultation on the prototypes and is moving this project into its implementation phase,” Mr Abetz said.

“Metro has told us these initiatives will provide the best assistance in helping to address anti social behaviour on and around buses.

“Metro already has a range of existing security and safety measures in place, including arrangements with Tasmania Police, CCTV cameras on all buses and internal security and safety programs.”

Metro on Monday launched a video series to boost bus driver recruitment efforts as part of its latest initiative in the recruitment campaign beginning in July this year.

Metro Tasmania CEO Katie Cooper. Picture: Chris Kidd

Metro CEO Katie Cooper said the videos are one part of the approach to attract Tasmanians to public transport during a national shortage of bus drivers.

“Since its launch the campaign has reached Tasmanians across a range of channels, including social media, billboard and bus wraps, and shopping centres in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart,” she said.

“We have seen a 167 per cent increase in applications for bus operator roles since the campaign commenced.”

Originally published as No plans to stop Gagebrook buses after three rock-throwing attacks, unions concerned for driver safety