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Metro Tasmania is managing an unprecedented number of driver / operator absences due to Covid 19 and other illnesses.

Yesterday, in Hobart, 23 drivers are unavailable to work (14 because of Covid 19 and nine because of other illness) while in Launceston the number of absent drivers is eight (two because of Covid 19 and four who are unvaccinated).

Today, in Hobart, 23 drivers are unavailable to work (15 because of Covid 19 and eight because of other illness) while in Launceston the number of absent drivers is six (one because of Covid 19, three because of general illness and four who are unvaccinated).

Metro CEO Katie Cooper said the timing was unfortunate because it coincided with the first week of the Tasmanian Government’s most welcome free public transport initiative, but it was unavoidable.

“There have obviously been service disruptions because of these driver absences and we apologise for the inconvenience this is causing,” she said.

“We understand that this is difficult for our passengers and would ask that you continue to treat our drivers with the respect that all frontline workers deserve.

“Information about disruptions is being communicated to customers via Metro social media channels.”

“We also remind our customers and new travellers that masks are mandatory on our buses.”

Ms Cooper thanked the entire Metro team that was working very hard to manage the ongoing issue.

“Our operations officers are working tirelessly to manage the roster and fill as many absences as possible, with priority given to school services, while many of our bus drivers have worked an extra shift or driven an additional run where possible,” she said.

“In addition, our administration staff who hold a bus licence have volunteered to drive and our customer service team is providing assistance and advice to an increased number of customers as required.”

To address the current driver shortage, Ms Cooper said seven new drivers started work for Metro in Hobart this week, and three more drivers would commence next Monday, (4 April).

“An additional 22 drivers have started training this week, with three headed for Launceston when their training finishes, and a further 20 drivers will start our comprehensive training program on Tuesday 26 April,” she said.