Auckland’s bus drivers will be increasingly safe and secure as the rollout of bus driver safety screens accelerates thanks to funding confirmed by Auckland Council and the Government.
Mayor Wayne Brown has unveiled the first batch of driver safety screens being installed on the city’s bus fleet alongside Ritchies Transport chief executive Michele Kernahan and Auckland Transport (AT) chief executive Dean Kimpton.
Brown says he prioritised funds for the safety screen rollout in recognition of the important frontline role bus drivers play in keeping Auckland moving.
“We’ve all been appalled by the recent cowardly attacks on bus drivers who are just trying to do their job for the public,” he says.
“This is an investment in their security and is a recognition that their work matters.
“I’m very pleased we are now starting to see buses retrofitted with these screens hitting the road. It shouldn’t be necessary but, sadly, it is.
“We need to look after our drivers and keep them safe. These screens will make a huge difference.
“The bus drivers have been consulted on the design of these screens and the model that is being rolled out is something that incorporates their feedback.
“Tramways Union president Gary Froggatt has shown great leadership here and I want to acknowledge his important role.”
Kimpton says the safety screens unveiled with Ritchies showcased the level of protection and reassurance drivers across Auckland will soon experience.
“Our teams at AT have been working closely with Ritchies on this early rollout of 50 driver protection screens for buses based at their Takanini and Albany depots.
“By next June we’ll have driver safety screens installed on more than 300 buses across Auckland, thanks to the investment from Auckland Council and bus operators like Ritchies.
“With the Government co-funding announced we’ll be able to further accelerate the rollout and install screens on 80 per cent of the buses used on AT’s network by July, 2026.
“The safety of our bus drivers and passengers is a huge priority for Auckland Transport and we’re pleased to be making real progress towards a safer network for all.”
Transport Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown has also welcomed news that bus driver protection screens will be installed.
“The Government is committed to improving the safety of working environments for bus drivers, and Budget 2024 allocated $15 million of Crown funding over two years to do just that,” Brown says.
“The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), who administers the funding on behalf of the Government, has now concluded assessments on the first round of nine bids from public transport authorities (PTAs) for funding across Auckland, greater Wellington, Nelson-Tasman, and Hawke’s Bay.
“I’m pleased to confirm an agreement has been reached to approve a bid for funding to retrofit full length driver screens for 80 percent of AT’s bus fleet by 2026, or approximately 1,100 buses.
“Bus drivers do an important job in our communities and the Government is committed to helping keep them safe as they go about their work.
“These hardworking New Zealanders often work with little to separate them from their passengers.
“Safety screens will provide protection and ensure our service continue to run smoothly and safely.
“In addition, NZTA is also considering funding to deliver driver toilet facilities and an on-board live CCTV trial for 30 buses, with results of this trial informing how Auckland Transport will roll out further CCTV cameras in future.
“I look forward to these initiatives being delivered as soon as possible, and other funding bids to be confirmed in due course once final agreements are made.”
