8 Jul 2024

Auckland Transport, police ramp up safety efforts for commuters during school holidays

3:46 pm on 8 July 2024
Auckland transport staff in high vis vests stand at a train station.

Photo: Supplied / Auckland Transport

As the school holiday's begin, Auckland Transport says it has increased visibility across the network to keep people safe.

On Monday, police arrested a 39-year-old woman, after an assault on a bus in Pakuranga in June they allege was a hate-motivated crime.

Jason Luo, 16, lost three teeth after being attacked with a metal rod by an unknown woman, with a further three teeth suffering damage.

Auckland Transport (AT), alongside police, have said they are stepping up measures to keep commuters safe.

In a statement, AT's director of public transport and active modes, Stacey van der Putten, said they needed everyone's help to ensure the transport hubs were safe.

"Everybody has the right to catch public transport without being subjected to this unacceptable behaviour, so we are working closely with police to make sure the transport network is a safe place for everyone," she said.

Hibiscus Coast and Albany stations will have security on site from 8am until midnight every day, along with transport officer support.

The Auckland Transport operation centre will be providing "as high of a level of surveillance as possible" across the transport network during the holidays.

In May, police launched Operation Haumaru, increasing resources and patrols, focused around the bus and train station hubs in New Lynn and Henderson.

Auckland Transport said transport officers would also focus on south and east locations.

The city's mayor, Wayne Brown, said commuters deserved to feel safe.

"I'm glad AT is also taking on board people's concerns and prioritising safety more in its operations," Brown said.

"People deserve to feel safe while moving about Auckland and public transport is a big part of this."

Waitematā West area commander Inspector Jason Edwards said offenders, including young people, should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

"Any young person who chooses to offend should expect to be caught up with by police and held to account," he said.

Auckland Transport encouraged customers report anything they witnessed on the public transport network.

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