Australasian bus operator Kinetic says it has partnered with Queensland’s department of transport and main road’s Translink division to deliver a network officer initiative aimed at improving the passenger experience on buses across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
The aim behind this move is to encourage more people out of cars and onto public transport.
This follows Kinetic introducing network officers into North Queensland networks, with Kinetic and Translink now expanding the program to South-East Queensland.
Now, 21 new network officers will greet travelling passengers to act as friendly and familiar faces.
Kinetic executive general manager for South-East Queensland Martin Hall says the initiative gives people confidence in choosing public transport, with network officers providing a visible presence to enhance the overall experience.
“Since network officers hit our bus networks in South-East Queensland, the feedback from passengers and bus drivers has been overwhelmingly positive,” Hall says.
“This mirrors our experience in Cairns and Townsville, where for two years they’ve been out in the community helping people with travel, building stronger ties with schools and community groups, and changing the way people view buses as a travel option.
“Our drivers also love having an additional interface with the travelling public and the positive role they play encouraging appropriate travel behaviour.”
Funded by Translink, network officers are a key public safety initiative and support Kinetic’s central Operations Control Centre and security teams.
Under public transport legislation, network officers have powers to enforce conditions of travel and the ability to issue infringement notices for offences including fare evasion.
Hall says the investment made the network safer for passengers while enhancing the workplace for bus drivers who have a unique role in the community.
“Public transport is a vital service for the community and the safety of the travelling public and bus drivers is absolutely paramount,” he says.
“Our bus drivers are incredibly proud and passionate about what they do and we know the overwhelming majority of passengers do the right thing. This is further investment in making bus a preferred mode of transport.
“You can also expect to see our new network officers out and about at events, schools and other engagements teaching people about the bus network and how to use it.”
In the past two years, Kinetic has introduced network officers in Cairns, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Melbourne, partnering with governments to help more people catch the bus and feel safe and confident doing so.