Auckland’s first transport officers began working on Western Line trains on 7 November.
The transport officers will work in pairs and will be deployed when and where they are needed most. They’ll provide customer support as well as improved safety on trains.
Subject to consultation, Auckland Transport (AT) proposes to have about 230 transport officers warranted by the New Zealand Police working across the Auckland’s rail network.
"The transport officers will give our customers more assurance on trains and around stations that they will be safe,” says AT's Group Manager of Parking and Compliance, John Strawbridge.
As part of the SaFE (Safety and Fare Enforcement) programme run by Auckland Transport and Transdev, the new staff will provide customer service and manage fare evasion through fare inspections and issuing infringements notices. They will also be trained to de-escalate situations caused by antisocial behaviour.
Electronic gates to be installed
Electronic gates will also be installed at eight Auckland stations as part of the SaFE programme.
The gates will require passengers to buy a ticket or tag on with an AT HOP card to access station platforms.
This means that more than 90 per cent of passengers will travel through a gated station as part of their journey.
Gates have already been installed at Henderson and Ōtāhuhu, with installation set to occur at Manurewa, Papatoetoe, Parnell, Middlemore, Glen Innes and Papakura stations.
