May 9, 2006

MEDIA STATEMENT

Bus drivers need everyone’s support

The cowardly attack on two bus drivers by adolescents at the weekend needs to be seriously addressed, says Cr Nicky Wagner, chair of Environment Canterbury’s public passenger transport committee. ECan tenders bus routes for Christchurch metro services, maintains timetables and markets metro.

“Bus drivers do a fantastic job. They need to know that they will be protected and that the whole community is keeping an eye out for their safety,” Cr Wagner says. She would be seeking a meeting with the police in Christchurch, the City Council and bus companies to look at ways of increasing safety for drivers.

Cr Wagner said it was important that people were confident of their safety on board any bus and that bus drivers did not have to act as security guards. “We do not want to have to install cages around our drivers as happens in overseas cities. Most bus journeys are a pleasant, relaxing ride with a good relationship between driver and passengers. We must not let this incident colour that. But we all need to be aware that bus drivers are vulnerable and may need our support from time to time.”

“We have the best bus service in the country in Christchurch and our drivers are second to none. We must not let this incident stop us from using buses at night. The more people who are using metro services the less likely this kind of behaviour will be allowed to occur.”

ENDS

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