Metro Tasmania has announced two weeks of free travel to increase staff and passenger safety

Metro Tasmania is offering a fortnight of free bus travel as the company moves to limit cash payments as part of a range of new safety measures to prevent COVID-19 spread.

METRO Tasmania is offering free travel for two weeks in a bid to reduce cash transactions and increase staff and passenger safety.

Acting CEO Darren Carey said the two-week window – running until April 10 – would allow time for passengers to obtain a Greencard for safer contactless payment.

“We’re urging those not yet using Greencard to make the switch, by waiving the $5 application fee and offering two weeks to get organised,” Mr Carey said.

“Reducing cash transactions is one of the many ways Metro is promoting the safety of our employees and passengers.”

Travel will be free from Thursday 26 March until Friday 10 April, to give passengers still using cash time to get a FREE Greencard for contactless payment.

Reducing cash transactions is one of the many ways we can work together to stay safe on board: https://t.co/Txnpwvqote pic.twitter.com/svmnLFTqhY

— Metro Tasmania (@metro_tasmania) March 25, 2020

Eighty five per cent of Metro customers already use a Greencard for their travel.

Most Greencard holders top up using cash on board, but they are being urged to top up online using the Metro website or free app instead.

Mr Carey said Metro Tasmania was responding to COVID-19 under the guidance of the state’s Health Department.

“We have enhanced sanitisation of all buses and will continue to work with our contractor to ensure vehicles remain as clean as possible,” Mr Carey said.

“We are also restricting access to the front row of seats to protect our drivers, and posting advice about steps that passengers can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

While all our vehicles are subject to an enhanced sanitisation procedure, if you travel with us you are bound to touch handles, rails, buttons and windows during your journey. Make sure to clean your hands thoroughly once you have alighted a Metro bus.https://t.co/w2JGy2UWnA pic.twitter.com/Ua1SBSUmTY

— Metro Tasmania (@metro_tasmania) March 28, 2020

Greencards are free from March 26 and available at www.metrotas.com.au and at the Metro Shop, depots and agents.

For more information visit metrotas.com.au or call 13 22 01.