The North West community has been delivered another slap in the face by the Gutwein Government.
With virtually no notice, the Department of State Growth has directed Redline Coaches to cease operating at its Devonport Transit Centre, confirming the closure just two days before Christmas.
Labor Members for Braddon Anita Dow and Shane Broad said this represents the most appalling treatment of Redline Coaches and of the population of North West Tasmania, which relies so heavily on Redline's coach services between Devonport, Launceston and Hobart.
"They will be left with no transit centre and no staff in Devonport."
Without the transit centre, people using this coach service will only be able to book online. There will be no ticket sales or counter or customer service areas for the whole of North West Tasmania. There will be no onsite staff, no shelter or undercover waiting area and no bathroom facilities.
"Many of the people using this service regularly are elderly or disabled and there's also a high proportion of unaccompanied minors travelling on these coaches," Ms Dow said.
"What are they all meant to do without shelter and without staff to assist them with their luggage or to help them on and off the buses – they'll be left out on the curb waiting for collection or connecting services."
"Tasmanian Labor knows how important this facility and the customer service is to the North West community, which is why we are throwing our support behind Redline Coaches and its call to save the Devonport Transit Centre," Dr Broad said.
"We share Redline's concerns and are appalled that no explanation has been provided for the North West being singled out for such shabby treatment.
"Removal of the last remaining undercover customer service centre in the North West region has real-life implications for thousands of travellers and this decision must be reversed."
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
Shane Broad MP
Labor Member for Braddon
