Asian passengers on buses travelling to and from east Auckland have been racially abused, robbed, assaulted and spat at in recent months.
Police say they’re investigating the most recent offending, which was reported to have taken place on the no.70 bus travelling from Botany to Britomart in Downtown Auckland.
“Enquiries are ongoing following an assault on an Auckland bus on Symonds Street, reported at around 9.38pm on Friday, August 2,” a police spokesperson says.
“While there were no serious injuries the victim was understandably shaken.”
The victim, an Asian woman, was allegedly assaulted and robbed by a group of young people just before she got off the bus.
Prior to that incident, a woman was filmed while verbally abusing other passengers with what was described as racist language on a Howick and Eastern Buses bus shortly after 6pm on July 22.
She was reported to have pushed, yelled and spat at Asian passengers on board.
Police have arrested and charged the alleged offender responsible.
Auckland Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, says police investigated the incident as hate-motivated crime, witnessed by a number of commuters at the time.
“Beat staff conducted enquiries at an address in the city … arresting a woman without incident,” he says.
“The 45-year-old will appear in the Auckland District Court at a later date on charges of disorderly behaviour and assault.
“Police acknowledge members of the public that came forward with information about the incident.
“The alleged behaviour of this woman will not be tolerated, and commuters should be able to utilise public transport without experiencing it.
“I would also like to acknowledge Auckland Transport and Howick and Eastern Buses, who worked with us to help bring about this result so quickly.”
The first known incident saw a woman attack a teenage Chinese New Zealander on a bus travelling through Pakuranga on June 28.
The victim had several teeth knocked out and suffered a large wound to his face.
Police have charged a 39-year-old woman in relation to the incident, which is being treated as an alleged “hate-motivated crime”.
The Times asked Auckland Transport (AT) what measures it’s taking to keep bus passengers safe and if it’s considering placing security guards on buses.
Rachel Cara, the agency’s general manager public transport operations, says it continues to work closely with police, community leaders and groups on a range of initiatives.
“This societal issue requires everyone’s help. Unfortunately, we have seen a recent rise in antisocial behaviour after it had been trending down last year.
“Most public transport customers are respectful of others, but these small number of incidents are of course really concerning, and we are taking it seriously.”
Cara says all AT buses are fitted out with CCTV, GPS and panic buttons that record sound, connecting directly with the bus depot which can quickly respond and guide emergency services to intervene.
“Drivers are trained with de-escalation techniques as part of their inductions, and advised not to get into confrontational situations that can escalate.
“Drivers are not able to detain passengers or stop them getting on or off the bus.”
AT also deploys Transport Officers to public transport hubs and on-board buses, ferries, and trains to manage the safety and security of the network, Cara says.
“We’re working closely with police and community partners on a range of measures, especially for ‘hot spot’ locations.
“We have a joint plan in place with police that includes measures like extra security staff, extra police resourcing, and a better reporting process.
“We encourage customers to let us know anything they observe or experience on the public transport network.
“They can contact us anonymously via Crimestoppers on 4030, or via the AT website or contact centre.”
