Metro Tasmania: 2300 cancelled services puts more pressure on congestion

“An unreliable bus service means that people are far more likely to choose to travel in cars, further clogging up the state’s road network which is already stretched to its limits.” What’s next >>

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

NEARLY 2300 Metro Tasmania trips were cancelled in one month leaving passengers frustrated and worsening traffic congestion, Labor says.

The number of assaults on drivers has doubled and nearly 90,000 passengers did not pay fares in the six months to the end of February, costing Metro $230,000.

The figures were contained in answers to questions in the Legislative Council from Labor’s transport spokesperson Josh Willie.

Mr Willie said with the cancellation of 2295 trips between February 8 and March 9 it was little wonder traffic woes were worsening in Tasmania.

“With nearly 2300 trips cancelled in a month, you can’t blame Tasmanians for losing faith in the reliability of the state’s public transport system,” he said.

“Every time someone turns up to catch a bus which doesn’t show up, it greatly diminishes the chances that they will choose to try their luck on the bus again.

“An unreliable bus service means that people are far more likely to choose to travel in cars, further clogging up the state’s road network which is already stretched to its limits.

“Those who don’t have the option to drive are left stranded, potentially missing out on work or other important appointments.”

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said bus drivers and passengers deserved better and the introduction of transit officers would reduce unacceptable behaviour.

“This unacceptable behaviour is exactly why we’ve announced we will progress with an increased and visible presence of transit officers on buses, to add to the existing special police measures, who can respond to incidents when they occur, deter would-be offenders and fare evasion, direct passengers to leave if necessary, and issue infringement notices,” he said.

“Unlike the Labor Party’s focus on politicking, I want the Metro board to be supported in taking real action to get it done.”

Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Ric Bean said Metro cancellations were still a problem. “With all the cancellations people are going back to their cars and it took me 20 minutes to drive from New Town to Moonah midmorning last Wednesday because of the traffic,” he said.

“The assaults on drivers is worsening with the severity and frequency but the transit officers we argued for more than a year ago should help.”

A Metro spokesman said Metro was “operating in a very tight job market”.

“It is actively recruiting operators to undertake training,” he said.