Two youths have been charged over several incidents in the Glenorchy bus mall in Hobart's northern suburbs.(ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
Tasmania Police alleges youths have stolen coins and damaged a window with an emergency hammer in multiple incidents aboard Hobart buses.
Bus operator Metro has instructed its drivers to hide coin trays and refuse all fares at the Glenorchy bus mall during specific times.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says the Tasmanian government has reneged on a promise to introduce transit officers on buses, and wants driver safety to be a top priority.
Tasmania's government-owned bus company has instructed drivers to hide their coin trays when within a major bus mall in Hobart after a series of thefts.
Police this week laid charges as a result of investigations into multiple incidents.
Police allege two youths stole coins from the money trays of Metro buses on multiple occasions.
They also allege after getting off the bus, the youths removed an emergency hammer and damaged a bus window. No one was injured during the incidents.
A 13-year-old from Risdon Vale and a 14-year-old from Lutana have been charged over several incidents.
It had just passed 10pm on Friday night when Bronny Walsh took a call from her son who said he had been assaulted while working as a bus driver in Launceston. She is now calling for change.
In a safety alert issued to Hobart drivers on Wednesday seen by the ABC, Metro addressed "ongoing incidents in the Glenorchy bus mall", instructing drivers between 4-8pm to "pull over at a stop prior to entering the mall" and "remove their cash trays and store them out of sight" while within the mall.
Metro drivers have been instructed to hide their coin trays when within the Glenorchy bus mall.(ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
The notice also said fares including cash or GreenCards should not be collected while in the bus mall during the given times, and fares could be reversed if customers tap on by mistake.
The notice is valid until Sunday.
In a statement, Metro Tasmania said it took a risk-based approach when deciding to implement safety controls.
"Metro believes that this temporary safety measure is appropriate given the recent incidents in the Glenorchy mall."
Metro Tasmania says it takes a risk-based approach when deciding to implement safety controls.(ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) state secretary Byron Cubit said not enough was being done to improve driver safety.
In 2023, the Rockliff government started a pilot program to introduce transit officers on buses, but Mr Cubit said they were never delivered permanently.
Mr Cubit said the government's planned implementation of transit officers needed improvement.
"When the Liberal government committed to transit officers, they would be privately employed and they would not have that power to detain.
The union is also worried about a half-price fare scheme which is soon to come to an end.
"If adult fares double on July 1st, the bus drivers are going to cop the brunt of frustration from passengers," Mr Cubit said.
Half-price bus fares are due to come to an end next month.(ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the RTBU was "central to the security screen trials, being heavily involved in consultation, and is aware that they are being rolled out as quickly as possible".
"Screens are being installed as we speak, and have already protected drivers on the job," Mr Abetz said.
The bus drivers' union says not enough is being done to improve driver safety.(ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
In a statement, Labor's transport spokesperson, Meg Brown, said "affordable, accessible public transport is vital to keeping communities connected — especially when services have already been cut under the Liberals".
"Nobody should have to fear for their safety simply for doing their job. The situation is a direct result of a government that has failed to act when it comes to driver safety," Ms Brown said.
"The Liberals promised to introduce the transit safety officers more than two years ago. Two ministers and too many attacks later, there's still a gap in frontline driver safety. These aren't optional extras — they're essential protections for drivers and passengers.
In May, Tasmania Police unveiled Taskforce Respect, a community campaign involving high-visibility patrols in Glenorchy and surrounds.
The task force was established in the wake of a string of incidents involving large groups of youths causing disturbances in the area.
Glenorchy Police Inspector Jason Klug said businesses had reported a significant drop in anti-social behaviour while the task force has been active.
"Whilst at the moment, its focus is on anti-social behaviour and retail crime, the task force is there and able to adapt to any crime trends or any community concerns that we see.
Topic:Defence and National Security