Metro have lifted a ban that prevented buses from entering certain parts of a Hobart suburb.
The restriction was put in place last week, with drivers warned not to pass the Gage Road roundabout in Gagebrook without a police escort, due to rock attacks.
“Following the police investigation and escort support, since Friday 1 September there have been no further instances of rock throwing in the Gagebrook area,” a company spokesperson said on Monday evening.
“Metro will continue to monitor the situation and will prioritise driver and customer safety,” Metro say.
Routes 522, 530 and X30 have now returned to their normal timetabled services.
Metro crime spree: Police deployed to escort Gagebrook buses
Metro buses travelling to the Hobart suburb of Gagebrook are requiring police escorts due to regular rock attacks.
A memo sent to staff has warned drivers not to proceed past the Gage Road roundabout without an escort.
Buses that are unable to be accompanied by police officers must turn back.
The state secretary of Tasmania’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union Ric Bean confirmed the ban to a “particular part” of the suburb.
Bean said after a rise in anti-social and violent behaviour in the area, work health and safety requirements for drivers means the buses require extra security.
“Unless the police are able to provide an escort, which I believe is regularly occurring, that the buses will not be servicing a particular part of Gagebrook.”
The government is determined to prevent such incidents on the network and say they will protect the safety of bus drivers and passengers.
The ban comes as Metro Tasmania temporarily cut 180 daily weekday services across Hobart due to a driver shortage.
