Auckland’s bus drivers to set to benefit from a range of new security measures, including more transport police, driver safety screens, and justice changes, writes Nicholas Dynon.
Tougher sentences to improve transport safety
Announced 24 September, the Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers as part of its law and order plan.
“In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in abuse and attacks on public transport workers,” said Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We want to send a strong message that any attacks on bus drivers, taxi drivers, and anyone working on a public transport train or ferry will not be tolerated.”
“Our Government is responding to these terrible incidents by introducing tougher consequences for those who engage in this cowardly behaviour,” said Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
The Government is investing $15 million through Budget 2024 to deliver practical improvements to bus driver safety and working environments. The Government is working with the public transport sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety.
“Following a horrific attack on a young student travelling on a bus in July, I asked officials to look at what can be done to ensure greater safeguards for passengers and drivers on buses while the Government continues to restore law and order,” said Minister Brown.
“Each bus operator is currently responsible for setting its own procedures for responding to attacks or altercations onboard. As a result, inconsistent processes are plaguing the system within the same city, let alone across the country, ultimately putting passengers and hardworking bus drivers at risk.
“Our Government is working with the sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety and responding to incidents to ensure greater consistency and to improve bus safety,” Mr Brown said.
Police to increase presence on Auckland public transport
Just one month after the announcement on tougher sentences, Minister Brown and Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced that Aucklanders would see a greater Police presence on public transport services to boost safety and reassure public transport workers and passengers.
“Minister Brown and I are working together, alongside Police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific attack that took place in Onehunga,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I want to acknowledge the outstanding Police work in identifying, locating and arresting the alleged offender.
“This attack has shaken Aucklanders, and particularly public transport users. The Government utterly condemns this senseless and horrific loss of life, and is taking action to make public transport safer for workers and passengers alike,” Mr Mitchell said.
To increase safety and provide reassurance to public transport workers and users, Police have increased staff presence and visibility across public transport modes in the city.
Minister Brown said he would be asking the Justice Select Committee to explore if changes are needed to the Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill for an expansion of aggravating factors to include offences to all public transport users.
“An expansion could include making offences against all public transport users an aggravating factor, ensuring greater protection for those who rely on buses, trains, and ferries. The Bill already provides for a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers.
“This is about making sure that public transport remains safe for everyone, whether you are a worker or a passenger. It sends a clear message that violence and abuse in these spaces will not be tolerated,” Mr Brown said.
The Ministry of Transport and NZTA are also working together to ensure there is a consistent policy across New Zealand for how public transport workers can address anti-social or violent behaviour aboard public transport services.
Discussions were to continue with Police and Public Transport Authorities about other measures that may be needed for commuters to have greater assurance in their use of public transport.
Driver safety screens to be installed on Auckland buses
According to a 22 November announcement, the NZTA will install bus driver protection screens across Auckland’s bus fleet by 2026 as part of the government’s budgeted $15 million driver safety funding.
According to Minister Brown, the NZTA had concluded assessments on the first round of nine bids from Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) for funding across Auckland, Greater Wellington, Nelson-Tasman, and Hawke’s Bay.
“Today, I am pleased to confirm that an agreement has been reached to approve a bid for funding to retrofit full length driver screens for 80 percent of Auckland Transport’s bus fleet by 2026, or approximately 1,100 buses.
“Bus drivers do an important job in our communities and the Government is committed to helping keep them safe as they go about their work. These hardworking New Zealanders often work with little to separate them from their passengers. Safety screens will provide protection and ensure our service continue to run smoothly and safely.
“In addition, NZTA is also considering funding to deliver driver toilet facilities and an on-board live CCTV trial for 30 buses, with results of this trial informing how Auckland Transport will roll out further CCTV cameras in future. “I look forward to these initiatives being delivered as soon as possible, and other funding bids to be confirmed in due course once final agreements are made.”
