Queensland's public transport security is being stepped up with network officer recruitment about to start
April 5, 2013
The Queensland Government will double the number of Senior Network Officers on public transport in a further crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The first round of recruitment is about to start delivering more officers on south east Queensland’s public transport network.
“By delivering a more efficient public transport network we are able to invest in more security and safety for passengers,” Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson says.
“We are aiming to double the number of officers on the network by July next year – up from the 28 when we came to office (March 2012).
Recent blitzes on fare evasion and antisocial behaviour have targeted hot spots in the Brisbane CBD, Beenleigh and Ipswich.
Lockdown operations across Bowen Hills, Beenleigh and Ipswich train stations fined 200 people, with 175 additional warnings handed out for fare evasion and nuisance behaviour.
Emerson says several ‘blitzes’ on 34 school bus routes were carried out in 2012 targeting anti-social behaviour resulting in 4300 Gold Coast students intercepted with 311 names recorded for failing to pay a fare and 30 warning notices handed out.
“We are serious about cracking down on fare evasion and anti-social behaviour on our network, sending a clear message – don’t risk it because you will be caught,” says Emerson.
Future covert operations across the southern Queensland network are currently being planned.
More than 22,000 fines of $220 were handed out in 2012, including 19,000 fines for fare evasion.