The violent gangs of Rokeby children menacing Metro’s bus drivers
A violent gang of children from Rokeby are making life miserable for Metro bus drivers, several of whom have quit their jobs in the face of relentless abuse. SEE THE DESTRUCTION >>
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A violent gang of children from Rokeby are making life miserable for Metro bus drivers, several of whom have quit their jobs in the face of relentless abuse.
Rail Train and Bus Union rep Ric Bean said route 625 was menaced by a gang of roughly 15 to 20 children who threatened the safety of the drivers and the passengers.
Mr Bean said he received constant reports of children throwing bottles at moving buses, dropping rocks from overpasses, and attacking defenceless drivers.
“We’re getting multiple reports of members being abused, threatened, and intimidated, and it’s become totally out of control,” Mr Bean.
“I’m genuinely, deeply concerned that something very bad will happen unless the government steps up, assists Metro, provides funding, whatever it takes to protect our members.”
Drivers have told The Mercury that several of their colleagues have quit specifically because of the children along route 625.
The children have been known to hang around the Rosny Park and Elizabeth Street bus malls and harass nearby shopkeepers.
Mr Bean said drivers also copped abuse outside of Rokeby, pointing to an incident in February when a driver was blasted with a fire extinguisher in Kingston.
Figures obtained by Labor MLC Josh Willie showed that in 2021 there were 296 reported incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour against Metro bus drivers.
The figures also show that so far in 2022 there have been over 350 bus trips dropped amid a chronic shortage of drivers.
Mr Willie said the government was failing to protect the safety of bus drivers, resulting in workers leaving Metro in droves.
“There is an economic and social cost for the Gutwein Government not being able to manage or deliver an essential service like public transport,” Mr Willie said.
“I’m hearing the Metro workplace is a deeply unhappy workplace, and they feel let down by the lack of support from the Gutwein Government.”
Infrastructure minister Michael Ferguson said he’d asked the Department of State Growth to work with Metro, Tasmania Police, and the union to help crack down on bus violence.
“I am fed up with the anti-social behaviour that has been taking place, with some recent escalation in isolated areas,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Quite simply any acts of violence or anti-social behaviour on our busses are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
A Tasmania Police spokesperson said anyone who witnesses illegal or anti-social behaviour should contact police on 131 444.
“Bellerive Police have dedicated resources which focus on public order and safety in the Clarence Division, including in the Rokeby area,” the spokesperson said.
kenji.sato@news.com.au
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