Metro Tasmania continues to operate short of pre-COVID levels as Tasmanians lose trust in the public transport provider.
Figures revealed through the Government Business Enterprises scrutiny hearings today highlighted that Tasmanians have lost faith in the reliability and safety of the service, with patronage down nearly 20 per cent compared to just a few years ago.
Bus operators and other staff also continue to leave the organisation in record numbers.
Whilst 108 Metro workers were recruited and trained statewide in the past 12 months, 113 have resigned, retired or had their employment terminated.
This, coupled with COVID workforce issues, has resulted in hundreds of trips being dropped and passengers failing to be notified unless they are social media literate.
It was also revealed that passengers and drivers have been the target of anti-social behavior, both onboard the transport and while waiting for a service, with rocks thrown at buses by members of the public.
It is clear the government's current enforcement measures to deal with anti-social behavior are not functioning as they should.
Tasmanians depend on reliable and safe public transport to go to work, to school or for leisure activities.
Transport Minister Michael Ferguson must work with Metro Tasmania to address the concerns of workers and passengers and provide a reliable transport option for Tasmanians, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Transport
