³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

Metro cancellations leave Tasmanians stranded

Tasmanian Labor

The continual mass cancellations of Metro buses are wreaking havoc upon commuters’ lives, with students left at bus stops, workers late to work and people missing appointments.

Tara, a Grade 4 student, has been impacted by the ongoing cancellations, leaving her mother Samantha dismayed about the state of our public transport system.

“Samantha said, “It is almost impossible to get Tara to school on time if the bus doesn’t show up. We rely on Metro as our main form of transport and we are frustrated by the constant cancellations.”

Shadow Minister for Transport, Josh Willie, said, “Public transport in the state is in crisis because the government has the wrong priorities and the Transport Minister has been asleep at the wheel.

“Metro drivers are speaking out about their unsafe working conditions but it is falling on deaf ears. Transport Minister Michael Ferguson’s avoidance of responsibility is helpful, and has led to huge numbers of drivers quitting, and overall dissatisfaction from drivers and commuters.

It is crucial our drivers feel safe, supported and valued, which is why the Labor Party will employ transit officers and install security screens to improve safety for drivers and passengers.

A reliable, safe and affordable public transport system is crucial for many young Tasmanians to get to school on time and it’s time the Liberal Government got its priorities in order.

Fixing real issues such as a broken public transport system should be a priority for Government, not obsessing over building a billion-dollar stadium for Australia’s richest sport.

These cancellations will continue unless Mr Ferguson takes responsibility and provides a solution to support bus drivers and Tasmanian commuters.

Josh Willie MLC

Shadow Minister for Transport

/Public Release. View in full .