Tasmania's free bus day a mess but union, Metro disagree on reasons why

Commuters seeking to take advantage of Tasmania's free public bus initiative have been met with 81 cancellations of services across the state — with the reasons why entangled in a war of words. Key points: On day three of the free bus program, 81 bus services have been cancelled across Tasmania Metro Tasmania says 31 drivers have been struck down by COVID and other illnesses But the transport union says worker shortages are due to resignations over safety concerns — and that Metro should have done more to recruit "months ago" The free bus measure was introduced on Monday to ease the blow of skyrocketing fuel costs and other cost of living pressures, and is scheduled to run for five weeks. Cancelled Metro bus services Monday Hobart: 11 Launceston: 76 Tuesday Hobart: 15 Launceston: 42 Wednesday Hobart: 9 Launceston: 72 "Today, in Hobart, 23 drivers are unavailable to work while in Launceston the number of absent drivers is eight," it said. "It's definitely part of the problem, but the biggest problem is that Metro haven't been recruiting fast enough since people started leaving in large numbers as far back as late last year." He said he would like to see additional safety measures brought in, noting the recent trial of security officers onboard some bus services to and from Rokeby had "an element of success".