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No Perth transport security change needed – KPMG

An independent report on Perth’s public transport system says the PTA is best-placed to manage security

October 17, 2011

A KPGM study says security on Perth’s public transport system should continue to be provided and managed by the Public Transport Authority (PTA), working in partnership with the WA Police.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell says the study reviewed the PTA’s security functions and resources, and the role of police in public transport security, and specifically considered how WA Police would provide transport security if the responsibility was transferred.

“The study found that the current public transport security arrangements should be maintained, given they were the most efficient in terms of the level of service provided to the travelling public,” Buswell says.

“It confirmed that Perth’s public transport security presence is best provided by Transit Officers and contract security firms, noting that the public wants to have a dedicated security presence on public transport.”

Buswell says the study also highlighted the importance of the Police Transport Division in providing a visible, uniformed policing presence across the rail network.

Police Minister Rob Johnson says the study highlighted that Police have an overarching requirement to respond to community law and order issues, rather than focusing specific assets on public transport stations, buses and trains.

Johnson says the focus of WA Police is on the entire community, and could not commit to providing station-based security on the bus or train network or dedicated security on all train lines.

In terms of security resources the study found that Western Australia had from 2.2 to 2.6 times more security personnel per passenger journey than was the case in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Buswell says the findings of the KPMG study confirm the WA Government’s ongoing commitment to provide a safe public transport system.

He says existing public transport security measures are the most efficient and cost effective.

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