Metro Tasmania: Bus stop timetables still not updated after temporary service adjustment

Metro is still yet to update all of its bus stop timetables after more than 170 of its Hobart services were temporarily suspended, causing “confusion and frustration” for passengers – leading them to come up with their own solutions.

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

Metro Tasmania is still yet to update all of its bus stop timetables after more than 170 of its Hobart services were temporarily suspended, causing “confusion and frustration” for passengers and leading them to come up with creative solutions of their own.

Since August 28, 177 Metro bus services have been put on ice as the public transport provider grapples with driver shortages.

But some timetables at bus stops around Greater Hobart have still not been amended to reflect the changes.

One Metro user, Chris Rees, has taken matters into his own hands, creating printouts with QR codes on them that direct people to updated timetables on the Metro website.

He has begun attaching the codes to bus stop timetables and has shared a copy on social media for others to print out and share across the city.

People catching a bus on Macquarie Street in Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

“[Metro] still haven’t done anything about their 1800 bus stops displaying incorrect info,” Mr Rees said on Facebook. “This [has] been bugging the hell out of me so I have made this to print and stick next to the timetables.”

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Tasmania branch secretary Ric Bean said while regular bus users had “largely adjusted” to the new schedule, there was “confusion and frustration for ad hoc users and tourists”.

“Yesterday we were told of an incident where confused passengers sought advice from Metro which told them the service they were waiting for had been cancelled, but it was actually just running late,” he said.

“It is important for commuters to understand that drivers are doing the best they can under difficult circumstances, so please treat drivers with courtesy and respect.”

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Tasmania branch secretary Ric Bean. Picture: Kenji Sato

A Metro spokesman said the organisation “will update its timetables at all the Hobart interchanges” and place temporary stickers at affected bus stops so that passengers were aware of the changes.

“This work is underway and we expect it to be completed by the end of October,” he said.

“Metro encourages customers to check the Metro Tasmania website in the first instance. The online timetables and Trip Planner tool ensure they remain the most accurate and up-to-date resources for planning trips.

“For customers who need assistance in reading timetables or do not have access to the internet, Metro encourages them to either call the Metro Hotline on 13 22 01 or visit the Metro Shop and speak to a customer service team member.”

The spokesman said the “most up-to-date” information about Metro services could be found on the Metro Tasmania website.