Media release – David O’Byrne MP, Member for Franklin, 22 May 2024
Parliament calls for urgent restoration of cancelled Metro services
A motion brought forward by independent David O’Byrne calling on the State Government to urgently intervene and restore 900 weekly Metro bus services that were cancelled has passed the House of Assembly.
As Metro Tasmania’s ‘temporary service reduction’ enter its ninth month, Tasmanians are growing increasingly frustrated that public transport is not meeting their needs.
“Transport Minister Eric Abetz is now on notice that the Parliament expects this Government to listen to the community and do everything it can restore these cancelled bus services as a matter of urgency,” said Mr O’Byrne.
“These cancellations have been going on for far too long. Thousands of Tasmanians rely almost exclusively on public transport to get around, and these cuts are incredibly disruptive to them and their way of life.
“This Government initially committed to reviewing the axed services within six months, but it’s now nine months later and services aren’t restored.
“There have been a litany of Metro Tasmania failures over the last few years as a direct result of this Government’s refusal to properly fund and manage the company. Metro is still facing major workforce retention and recruitment issues and ongoing industrial action, with no end in sight.
“The onus is now on this Government to deliver what Tasmanians have been asking them to, and work to restore these bus services and resolve the issues Metro is facing as a matter of urgency.”
