- By Parmjeet Parmar, Pakuranga-based ACT List MP
I’ve written before about the problem of crime and anti-social behaviour on Auckland buses.
I can now share data given to me by Auckland Transport (AT) that reveals one significant contributor to the problem – the staggering level of fare dodging.
AT estimates nearly 3 per cent of all journeys, equivalent to one million instances over the last six months, involve passengers who do not pay.
Alarmingly, of the 12,700 fare evaders intercepted by transport officers, only 4.8 per cent were given infringements and 2.4 per cent given warnings.
This isn’t just about lost revenue. It’s a matter of public safety, respect for law, and the well-being of bus drivers.
Lax enforcement sends a dangerous message – that rules can be ignored without consequence.
A bus contractor tells me he believes this is leading to crime and abuse on our buses.
Routes 33, 18, and 13 have become hotspots for fare evasion, with areas like Papakura, Henderson, and Ōtāhuhu bearing the brunt of this issue.
Bus drivers, already tasked with the safety and comfort of all passengers, are now also facing threats and abuse when they attempt to uphold fare payment rules.
AT acknowledges the issue but seems to downplay its severity by focusing on enforcement in specific areas.
While targeting high-risk zones like route 33 has shown some effectiveness, it’s not enough.
The broader problem of fare evasion is intricately linked to the rise in on-board security incidents, including violent attacks, which cannot be ignored or underestimated.
AT needs to implement stronger, more visible enforcement strategies.
They should start by issuing far more fines, and they should consider at the very least issuing warnings in every case where transport officers intercept a fare-dodger.
The task ahead is to reinstate respect for public systems and ensure our public transport remains a safe space for everyone.
We need clear, consistent consequences for fare evasion, not just on select routes but across the board.
Turning a blind eye to fare-dodging undermines the rule of law and fosters an environment where antisocial behaviour can thrive.
Let’s not allow the message to be that it’s okay to flout rules.
Instead, let’s show that in Auckland, law and order on public transport are upheld for the safety and benefit of all.
