As predicted last week by unions, operator Metro Tasmania has announced a major number of services that have been temporarily suspended due to driver shortage issues.
Metro Tasmania announced a temporary service adjustment for Hobart starting this week, with more than 180 services from Monday to Thursday and separate Friday runs being impacted.
“Starting Monday, we will be temporarily suspending a select number of our less frequented services across the Hobart network to reduce daily unexpected, cancelled trips,” Metro Tasmania says in a release.
“This will allow for greater certainty for our customers.”
However, Metro Tasmania says that school services will remain unaffected and will continue to operate as usual.
More than 180 services travelling both in and out of Hobart have been temporarily suspended and won’t run for the foreseeable future.
RELATED ARTICLE: Union suggests Metro may make unprecedented Hobart service cuts
“We understand that reliability is paramount to your travel plans and we are dedicated to ensuring that your interactions with our services are as seamless as possible,” Metro says.
According to Pulse Hobart, mechanics are now saying they are poorly paid following driver payment issues.
A union of mechanics says Metro workers are feeling undervalued, resulting in high worker turnover and potential industrial action.
Tasmanian shadow community services minister Sarah Lovell says that complaints have been raised over the impact these service cuts may have.
While unions and Metro have debated over whether pay is the main reason behind this driver shortage, a Metro spokesperson says the company has offered a fair and affordable deal to workers.