How to catch a Metro bus

Getting from A to B starts with planning your journey. There are many ways to find out which bus you need:

• use the Metro Trip Planner or Metro Tas App
• check Metro’s online timetables or at the bus stop
• call the Metro Information Hotline on 13 22 01

To plan travel using the Trip Planner:

• select your city (Hobart / Launceston / Burnie); 
• type where you want to leave from (or select ‘current location’ on mobile); 
• type your destination; and
• select ‘plan my trip’ to see a list of travel options

Click on an option to see a map and details of the bus stop, route number and trip times. 

To plan a future trip: 

• select a future departure time; or 
• select a future arrival time 

Once you have selected your desired bus stop and route: 

• make sure to be at your stop at least five minutes before your bus is due – timetables can be affected by traffic and other factors. Real-time information is available for most routes in the Metro Tas App. 

• be sure to have GreenCard (with credit) or cash ready for payment. 

• clearly signal to the driver to stop with a wave as the bus approaches. 

• if you need assistance when boarding, ask the driver to lower the bus. 

All buses will display a route number and route description on the destination banner above the windscreen.

In the example above, the bus is operating a route 60 service, which travels to Wynyard via Somerset.

When waiting at the bus stop, keep an eye on the destination banner of approaching buses to know which one you need to signal. 

Each bus also has a unique three-digit number, which is helpful to remember if you need to reference a bus when contacting the Metro team. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are in a free travel period until 30 June 2027.  You do not need to pay a fare or use a GreenCard on any public transport services in Tasmania during the free travel period.  Simply hop aboard and enjoy the ride.

Wheelchairs, scooters and prams are welcome on board. Safety is our priority, so follow your driver’s instructions. When occupied, these mobility aids must be stationed in the designated area, facing towards the rear of the bus with safety features applied.

Your luggage is your responsibility. Please help keep the bus safe and walkways clear by placing large items in the luggage areas. If the item is too big or could be dangerous on board, we may not be able to carry it – ask your driver if you are unsure.

When approaching your desired stop, press the ‘STOP’ button nearest you to let the driver know that you’re ready to disembark. This will cause a sign near the driver to light up. They will pull over at the next bus stop on the bus route.

Be sure to hold onto the handrails and/or supports and wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before moving towards an exit. 

To ensure a safe and pleasant journey, all customers are expected to follow Metro’s Conditions of Travel. 

For example, we ask that you: 

• wait for passengers to get off the bus before you board; 
• use headphones when using your devices, including listening to music or talking on the phone; and 
• offer up your seat to other passengers who may need it more than you. 

Please do not: 

• threaten or abuse any passengers or Metro drivers; 
• smoke, vape or use an e-cigarette of any kind; 
• consume food or drink, or bring open drinks on to a bus; 
• use obscene or offensive language; or 
• spray aerosols. 

Safety is one of Metro’s core values. We are committed to ensuring that Metro customers and employees are treated with dignity, respect and are free from discrimination and harassment.

To provide a safe and inclusive public transport service: 

• all Metro bus drivers are trained in safe driving practices; 
• all Metro buses are fitted with CCTV cameras; and 
• we work closely with Tasmania Police to minimise crime and anti-social behaviour on our buses.  

By boarding a Metro bus, passengers consent that they may be recorded (audio and visual) for safety and security purposes. 

If you need immediate assistance while on board a bus, ask your driver. To report a safety concern, contact the Metro Information Hotline on 13 22 01. 

If you have lost something on one of our buses, please complete an online lost property report. If your lost item is recovered, you will be notified where to collect it. As we run services throughout the day, it can take up to 24 hours to locate lost items.

Once your item has been located: 

You can visit a Metro Depot Office during open hours on weekdays. Please see individual depot office hours for more details. 

Unclaimed lost property is held for two weeks before disposal or, in the case of high-value items such as wallets, surrendered to Tasmania Police within 7 days. 

Metro is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items while on board one of our services. Metro is unable to transport unaccompanied parcels or luggage.  

For all your Metro support needs, please visit our Support page.