The new system, which will make travelling on Metro buses easier, will ultimately include a credit card-sized smart card, the Metro Greencard, that is read electronically in a fraction of a second assisting passengers to board buses more easily and quickly.

The card contains an electronic ‘purse’ that can be added to in a number of ways. The cost of the trip is deducted from the card’s ‘purse’ whenever a passenger travels on a Metro bus.

Customers will need to register for a Metro Greencard. Application forms are available at www.metrotas.com.au and from Greencard newsagencies in Burine – Cattley Street, Upper Burnie and Somerset.

Once registered, Greencards can be recharged at www.metrotas.com.au, on Metro buses and at Greencard agencies.

Now that the new ticketing system has been successfully introduced in Burnie, the system will be rolled out in Hobart and Launceston later in 2009.

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This ongoing work will progressively review services to identify issues that impact on Metro’s operations.

These include routes that incorporate cul de sacs, narrow roads that are difficult for Metro’s 12.5-metre-long buses to navigate, routes that double-back on themselves and those with poor patronage.

Metro’s service standards require the company to plan routes so that 90 per cent of residents are located within 500-metres of a given route during peak periods and within 1000-metres during off-peak periods.

Metro’s resources to operate these services are obviously finite. The operational decisions the company makes are taken in the best interests of the majority of our customers.

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The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) bus priority lane trial starts at ‘Cat’s Eye Corner’ and ends at the Southern Outlet / Davey Street intersection.

Metro is obviously pleased that DIER has agreed to undertake the trial and is continuing to work with the Tasmanian Government about initiatives to enhance public transport travel.

One of the expected outcomes is that the inward journey from Kingston and Blackmans Bay to Hobart via the bus priority lane will reduce travel time.

And there is the additional benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions if people leave theirs cars at home and travel on public transport. Changing travel habits is one of the easiest ways people can contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

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The EBA provides bus drivers with a 4.5 per cent pay increase in the first year and a further four per cent the following year with no change in terms and conditions for employees.

Metro says its pay offer to drivers is fair and reasonable and takes account of current economic conditions and market pressures on the business.

During discussions with drivers Metro was mindful of the economic environment, both here in Tasmania and interstate, and the need to maintain employment.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union State Secretary Sam Simonetis said given the economic conditions, the EBA was a fair result.

“Public transport is a very strong industry at the moment,” she said.

“It is still employing people, and is likely to continue to be in a strong position as the community look for affordable transport alternatives.”

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Metro is committed to providing equitable, dignified access to its premises, services, communications, information and employment processes for all people in the community.

To support this objective, Metro is developing a Disability Action Plan that will assist in improving access for all.

The forum provided an opportunity for people with disabilities, carers and service providers to have input into the development of the plan.

A survey was also available to gather information from people who may not wish or be able to attend the forum.
The forum was facilitated by Access Audits Australia which has supported many organisations in this process.

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