Metro considering thug screens for drivers amid safety crisis

After meetings with the drivers’ union, Metro has asked staff to workshop what kinds of security screens will best protect bus drivers from violent passengers — as changes to ticketing will make it easier to catch transport across Tassie. LATEST >

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

METRO Tasmania is looking at installing security screens in buses to protect drivers from violent patrons.

The public transport operator’s services have been disrupted by staff shortages, caused in part by anti-social behaviour by a small number of patrons Transport Minister Michael Ferguson this week described as “thugs”.

“They give our drivers trouble and treat them rudely, disrespectfully or, worse, through physical interaction,” he said.

After meetings with the drivers’ union this week, Metro has asked staff to join a working group to consider which security screens and protective partitions will best protect bus drivers.

“The purpose of the working group is to gather feedback and explore the options of security screens and protective partitions in our bus fleet to maintain the safety of our bus operators,” Metro said in a memo.

Member for Franklin David O’Byrne said improvements to safety for drivers had been too slow coming.

David O'Byrne MP. Picture: Chris Kidd

“These ideas have been around for years, they’ve had the issue of driver safety raised with them for years and only now they’re reached crisis point they’re looking for input now on what might happen,” he said.

“It speaks volumes for their commitment to driver safety.”

In state parliament this week, Mr Ferguson again promised bus and ferry users would soon be able to tap on and off any public transport service in the state with their credit card, phones or watches.

Mr O’Byrne has repeatedly criticised the four-year delays and the budgeted cost increase from $7m to $31m.

But Mr Ferguson said the government was close to agreement with a ticketing provider that has provided a system in use interstate.

“Passengers will be able to pay fares by credit card, phone, or smart watch. It will be easier to transfer between services and operators, such as, for example, Manions’ from Legana to Metro across to the northern suburbs of Launceston, or in Hobart, say, from Geilston Bay across the Tasman maybe to use the Derwent ferry service on their further journeys. That is in place.

“We have designed it to be inclusive of real-time information. The system will integrate with network planning and timetabling systems to allow for the design and implementation of data-driven network improvements.”

Mr Ferguson said he would reveal more in the near future.

“I can say that the Government has made an in-principle decision to work with another jurisdiction and its common ticketing provider.

“There are two parties at play here, subject to resolution of acceptable commercial terms.

“We will not sign until we get an acceptable agreement that meets the needs of our travellers and is acceptable to the vendor. I look forward to having more to say about this.”