Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff told Metro’s government business scrutiny hearing that four of the 100 new buses were already operating in Launceston and 17 in Hobart.

He said the new buses being built by Elphinstone Engineering Solutions had provided a boost in job numbers for about 12 businesses and they were “more comfortable, accessible and environmentally friendly.”

“Every new vehicle is air conditioned and, importantly, has low floor access which makes them 100 per cent wheelchair friendly and a more attractive option for Tasmanians,” Mr Rockliff said.

“These new buses lower the average age of Metro’s fleet, which was among the oldest in Australia, improve reliability and reduce emissions and maintenance costs.”

The chief executive of Metro Megan Morse told the hearing that there was a shortage of female bus drivers.

“There are not enough female drivers with a ratio of four males to one female driver,” Ms Morse said.

She said many drivers who worked for Metro were older and had already had previous careers in other areas.

There were three assaults on drivers in the past financial year but Metro drivers were still from time to time subject to spitting by passengers, Ms Morse said.

Mr Rockliff told the hearing Metro Tasmania had enjoyed its fifth consecutive year of passenger growth in 2017-18 with 8.29 million first boardings – a growth of 1.7 per cent for year-on-year comparison.

“The growth in adult passenger numbers was the standout with a seven per cent increase which can largely be attributed to the new Hobart Network launched in 2016 which helps take cars off the roads and address traffic congestion by providing commuters with an attractive and reliable travel option,” he said.

Mr Rockliff paid tribute to the chair of Metro Michael Harris who has been announced as new the Auditor General for the Parliament of the Australian Capital Territory.

He said Mr Harris had been Metro chair since 2013 and had overseen strong growth in passenger numbers, network revitalisation and a fleet upgrade that left Metro well positioned to tackle the transport challenges of the future.

“Mr Harris has been a passionate and professional advocate for public transport and has also served the government more broadly, most recently as the independent chair of the Review of the Tasmanian Fire Service Act,” Mr Rockliff said.