The changes included new timetables and evening services, improved weekend services, simplified bus routes and easier to remember timetables.

Following the introduction of the changes, weekend patronage has increased by about 33 per cent and overall by about five per cent when compared to the previous six months.

To put the increase into perspective, the increases in Launceston patronage now exceed patronage growth in Hobart and Burnie.

While it is early days, the results point to the success of the new style routes and weekend services.

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INIT’s tender clearly provided the best value for money option for Metro while at the same time providing an opportunity for Metro to partner with a company with a desire to enter the public transport technology market in the Asia Pacific region.

As well as projects in Europe, INIT has a strong presence in the United States and is actively expanding its operations to Australia and the Middle-East.

Work is underway to finalise and sign a contract for the delivery of the new ticketing system.

Work has commenced on the system design phase and Metro will be involving its staff in the detailed design of the new system. Manufacturing and testing phases will follow, with system implementation scheduled for late 2008 / early 2009.

Comprehensive training in the use of the new ticketing system will be provided to all Metro staff prior to commissioning.

The new system also provides the potential to progressively expand the range of services offered to customers, such as informing them when the next bus is due and linking with traffic signals to give buses priority.

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The Category 2 award was presented for 'Best Solution to an identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue' for the development and implementation of a cabin door alarm switch to eliminate the chance of buses rolling when parked due to operator error.

Metro was praised for the initiative as it reduced the risk of injury to the bus operator and significantly reduced the potential for risk to the public and property.

A special thank you to Nick Simonetis for suggesting the initiative, and congratulations to all safety committee members and those associated with the installation of the switch.

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Anthony was driving his bus through Risdon Vale when it was diverted by a police road block following a stabbing.

At the next bus stop Anthony picked up a man covered in blood and called the radio room to report the passenger.

Without knowing if he was carrying a weapon and concerned for the safety of his other passengers, including a number of elderly people who were on the bus at the time, Anthony calmly kept a watch on the passenger until police halted the bus and the man handed himself over to the attending officers.

In presenting the award, Tasmania Police praised Anthony for his handling of the situation.

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Of particular note were the five employees recognised for more than 35 years service and the three employees for more than 40 years.

George Phillips, of Launceston, Glenn Swain, of Burnie and Brian Absolom, Allan Headlam and Tony Jago, all of Hobart, were recognised for 35 years or more with Metro.

The company’s longest serving employee, Warren Pinner, of Burnie, was recognised for 41 years with the company. He was joined by Graeme Davis and Ron Harvey, both of Launceston, in the exclusive club – also with 41 years experience behind them.

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Metro has been working with the Kingborough Council on the concept and is keen to promote ‘park and ride’ as a viable option for Kingborough commuters.

If Kingborough residents find the Denison Street car park option convenient, Metro will work with Council to identify other suitable parking areas and will jointly promote their use for ‘park-and-ride’.

Kingborough Council’s approach to trialing this sort of integrated transport approach is welcomed by Metro.

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