Media release – David O’Byrne MP, Member for Franklin, 28 February 2023
Transport Minister offers Tasmanians who have lost faith in Metro yet another committee
After more than a thousand Metro services have been cancelled over the last month, Tasmanians using public transport are fed up with repeatedly being stranded by the side of the road.
Franklin MP David O’Byrne said Transport Minister Michael Ferguson has deliberately chosen to stand by and Metro being run into the ground, completely failing to tackle the core issues causing the mass exodus of bus drivers.
“Our bus drivers and the travelling public have been warning the Minister over the last few years that there are problems with drivers quitting due to low morale and safety concerns,” said Mr O’Byrne.
“Today in response to my question, the Minister made an insincere apology to those affected by cancellations and announced he’ll put together a working group to start to address some of these issues.
“This is just way too late for another committee – drivers have already quit and around 100 bus services are cancelled every day.
“Metro’s only response to date includes giving bus drivers a commemorative biscuit to celebrate a one-off survey result, and offering $50 vouchers if drivers refer a friend into the job. It has been completely ineffective.
“Tasmanians don’t want another committee that will buy the Minister more time. They want solutions right now so that our buses actually turn up.”
