MEDIA RELEASE
25 September 2023
Metro welcomes Tasmanian Government Action Plan
Metro Tasmania has welcomed today’s announcement by the Tasmanian Government that it will provide an $8.1 million action plan.
CEO Katie Cooper said Metro had worked closely with the State Government – and Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson – to achieve these positive outcomes.
“The $2 million provided this financial year to pay a wage increase for our bus operators, subject to the fair work process, is a great result,” she said. “It will go a long way to addressing the recruitment and retention issues that Metro has spoken publicly about previously.”
Ms Cooper said anti-social behaviour on Metro buses, in its shops, online and in the wider community had been an important focus area for the company for some time.
‘Funding for the introduction of security screens and to extend the deployment of Transit Officers on Metro buses across our three main regions will improve safety for operators and passengers,” she said.
“And a new IT system that will replace our current rostering system is a critical investment that will also play a role in recruiting and retaining Bus Operators given the greater flexibility it will provide rostering.”
“I now look forward to working with our bus operators to achieve an agreement that is fair and affordable.”