Transport for NSW and the NSW Police Force have together delivered several successful operations on the state's north coast making public transport safer.
It's part of an ongoing partnership between the two agencies to tackle antisocial and criminal behaviour on buses and trains in the region, with a particular focus around the Tweed Heads area.
The high-visibility and enforcement campaigns saw officers from Tweed/Byron Police District increase patrols on nighttime bus services in recent weeks where there have been the highest number of safety incidents.
Last week, the Police Transport Command North/Central Sector and Transport for NSW conducted a four-day blitz, patrolling buses and bus stops in the Tweed Heads area as well as travelling on North Coast XPTs, attending various train stations along the way.
As a result of the operation, eight people were issued penalty notices for transport offences, 11 were issued penalty notices for street offences, and 17 persons were moved on. A further person was issued an infringement notice for a traffic offence.
In addition, three people were charged in relation to three separate matters including an outstanding warrant, alleged breach of bail, and the possession of a graffiti implement.
Following the operation, Transport for NSW and NSW Police received positive feedback from those involved including bus and train drivers, and members of the public.
Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell emphasised that while the latest operation has concluded successfully, the community can be assured that necessary actions will be taken in the future.
"We want to remind all passengers using public transport that threatening, offensive or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated, and we urge anyone who sees this type of behaviour to come forward and report it to police.
"The NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW will remain vigilant in monitoring bus and train services around the Tweed Heads area and will conduct further operations as needed."
Police Transport Command North/Central Sector Commander, Detective Superintendent Todd Cunningham, said the operations have strengthened the relationship between the community, local police, PTC and Transport for NSW.
"What has been so rewarding from these recent operations on the north coast is not only the positive results during the operation, but an ongoing decrease in reported incidents on our transport networks, showing how effective the operations are long-term."
Chief Customer Officer for Transport for NSW Roger Weeks said any behaviour that threatens the safety of either staff or the travelling public is completely unacceptable.
"Public transport is an essential community service, and everyone has the right to feel secure and safe when using it, whether that be on one of our North Coast XPTs, coaches or any other mode. It's also essential for drivers and onboard teams to have a safe workplace."
"I am pleased with the positive results of these operations. They have strengthened the relationship between the two agencies and have been so successful we are looking to replicate this sort of action in other locations across NSW."
Martin Hall Executive General Manager of Kinetic, Transport's contracted bus operator in the Tweed, said feedback from drivers and passengers during the operations had been overwhelmingly positive.
"Passengers have a right to feel safe on public transport and every bus driver should be able to feel safe in their workplace while providing a vital service to the community," Mr Hall said.
"We thank the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW for their proactive approach. We have been working closely with them to improve security and safety on our services," he said.
"This includes funding additional security which complements these targeted campaigns and ongoing policing efforts."
