Launceston businesses seek solution to antisocial behaviour at bus stops

Massage shop manager Jim Ji says the sound of rowdy bus passengers is terrible for his business.

He said customers at Tai-Chi Traditional Massage in Launceston often arrived "hoping to fall asleep" and tended not to return if outside noise was too distracting.

He is among many business owners on St John Street who have long been concerned that nearby bus stops are a lightning rod for antisocial behaviour, particularly among young, school-aged people.

Capri Launceston director Heidi Ellen said she shut the doors twice in a week recently because staff felt uncomfortable about behaviour outside.

"It's getting out of hand."

Could new 'Step + Ride' be the solution?

The Launceston City Council recently advertised a design services tender for a "nation-first Step + Ride" to replace the current bus interchange, with an "indicative" construction budget of $15-25 million.

It is the latest in a long line of plans designed to address issues at the bus stop, which some local business owners said were persisting, even though security guards had been employed to patrol the area since March.

Mayor Matthew Garwood said the aim was to "create a transport hub that works for the way people move around the city now and into the future".

When asked what would make it a "nation-first" project, a council spokesperson said it was "not aware of another facility described as a step and ride interchange facility".

Tender documents show council envisages a hub where commuters can park bikes and scooters or get lifts through ride-share apps, as well as catch buses.

"Stepping as a movement can relate to walking or stepping on and off a bus," it states.

"While 'ride' is a term that can mean riding a bus, riding a bike or ride-sharing."

The chosen designer will be asked to design two potential "Step + Ride" locations — either keeping the bus stops where they are, or moving some of them two blocks north.

Council is expected to vote on the exact location in October.

The tender brief states "the project will deliver safer, more attractive, and people-focused bus facilities", which will improve safety through "clear sightlines, passive surveillance and strong day and night presence".

Doubts over plan

Businesses frustrated over the anti-social behaviour doubt whether the planned bus stop redevelopment is the answer.

"I don't think we should spend $15 million or $25 million on that because that's too much," Mr Ji said.

Launceston City Councillor Tim Walker also questioned the price tag.

"It was a shock to me when it was pointed out in the tender documents that $15 to $25 million was the price range that we're talking about," he said.

Asked whether the state government should contribute to the project, a Launceston City Council spokesperson said that was up to them but noted bus interchange funding committed at the 2024 state election never eventuated.

A state government spokesperson said this funding commitment was contingent on the bus stop being relocated to Paterson Street, but that project fell over.

They said it remains committed to working with the council on its revised plan for Launceston interchange.

Cr Walker also questioned whether millions would be spent upgrading the stops, only to have the issues persist.

"Antisocial behaviour, whether it's at bus stops or anywhere else, is an issue that needs to be addressed as a whole of community," he said.

Call for broader strategies

Data from Tasmania Police showed total criminal offences in Launceston were down last financial year, compared to the year before.

It also showed offending among 10 to 17-year-olds had reduced, with 230 total offences last year in that cohort, compared to 337 the year prior.

The age group with the highest level of offending was consistently 25 to 34-year-olds.

"Police will continue to work closely with council, local businesses and the broader community to identify appropriate pathways for early intervention and remain proactive in their visibility and interdiction with recidivist offenders," he said.

Vicky Nagy, a senior lecturer in criminology at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), said young people were often blamed for issues because they were highly visible, due to being loud or wearing school uniforms, when they were not doing anything wrong.

But she said if antisocial behaviour was an issue, a broader approach was likely needed.

"Improving sight lines and redesigns of things like bus shelters and where stops are can be beneficial because people feel safer in that sort of area," she said.

Michael Guerzoni, another senior lecturer in criminology at UTAS, agreed focusing on the root causes underlying antisocial behaviour was critical.

Dr Guerzoni said the focus should be whether there were youth centres where young people could meet friends, if there were enough supports for families or opportunities for young people without "being under constant surveillance".

Mr Ji, meanwhile, suggested there were other ways council could support local businesses, suggesting a program to attract new operators, rebates for customers or a reduction in parking fees.