Night Buses Reduce Risk for Youth in City, Say Auckland Police
08 November 2001

The Auckland City Police have credited the Night Rider bus service as one of the reasons for a reduction of the number of young people at risk in the city after midnight. The service has been met with praise and support from authorities and patrons alike.

Launched by Stagecoach and the Auckland Regional Council in September, the service is designed to provide young people with an alternative to expensive taxi fares and to encourage night club and pub drinkers to avoid driving after drinking.

Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Howard Broad said, “During a recent workshop concerning inner city youth problems, we identified the Night Rider buses as a key contributor to the positive trend in the reduction of young people at risk in the city after midnight. Knowing there are buses to take people out of the city on a regular basis – where they may otherwise become at risk or involved in the trouble making – is a huge relief. The service providers absolutely have my full support and personal thanks.”

ARC Passenger Transport Committee Chairperson Cr. Catherine Harland, said the response to Night Riders had been encouraging and that there would be additions to the services. “Transport is more than just a nine to five workday activity,” she said.

“The demand for an after-midnight bus service was significant, particularly from youth organisations and the Youth Councils of Auckland City and North Shore. The road safety and personal security benefits as a result of a service like Night Rider are likely to be immense. It is great to have a partner like the Auckland City Police supporting our efforts and acknowledging the part public transport plays in reducing negative behaviour on the streets on weekend nights. We expect patronage to grow steadily, especially with the Christmas party season approaching. Howick and Eastern Buses started its service on Labour weekend and Birkenhead Transport is poised to join the initiative, with a Beach Haven and Birkenhead route starting this weekend.”

Night Rider services depart hourly between 1.00 a.m. and 3.15 a.m. from the central city in the streets around the Civic Theatre, with routes serving most of the Auckland urban area, from Howick to Ranui, Papakura to Browns Bay and across a multitude of suburbs in between. Route information is available from Rideline on 366 6400 or at www.rideline.co.nz.

For further information please call:
Catherine Harland, ARC Passenger Transport Committee Chairperson, phone 636 8464
Jo Wilson, Transport Marketing Advisor, Auckland Regional Council, phone 373 9967

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