Thousands of Hobart bus commuters face delays as drivers walk off the job

Find out which services are cancelled and what one’s have altered routes as Hobart commuters brace for “severe disruption” this afternoon as bus drivers walk off the job.

HOBART commuters are being urged to plan ahead this afternoon as bus drivers walk off the job to attend a stop-work meeting.

The industrial action will affect all services in Greater Hobart.

About 570 bus services scheduled to start and/or terminate between 3pm and 7pm will be impacted by the stop-work action, with some services affected until 7.40pm.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF AFFECTED SERVICES

Metro chief executive Megan Morse said she was disappointed the union had chosen to take further action, disrupting thousands of local journeys and compelling commuters to seek alternate transport.

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“While services will operate as normal in the first half of the day, we acknowledge the

timing of this action will significantly inconvenience passengers who rely on public transport

to connect, particularly travelling home after work.”

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

“As a state-owned company, we stand by both our wage offer, which is reasonable and consistent with government policy, and our approach to bargaining in good faith.”

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Tasmania division secretary Jody Nichols said drivers were frustrated by the need to take further action, but had chosen the date of the action to minimise disruption to local families.

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“Drivers have chosen to take this action during the quiet school holidays and Easter period,” he said.

“We realise that it will cause inconvenience for many travellers in the Hobart area.

“We have given Metro Tasmania a week’s notice of the planned action, so we remain hopeful that Metro Tasmania will change tack and come back to the bargaining table.”

Visit Metro’s website for information on affected services.

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