Two new Transit Safety Officers have commenced work on Darwin’s public transport network to further improve safety and security for passengers, drivers and the general public.

Transport Minister Peter Styles said the Giles Government is committed to improving safety and efficiency on public transport in the Territory.

“The recent safety audit undertaken by the Department of Transport has resulted in Government committing to 25 recommendations to improve the bus network, and I’m very pleased to report that work is progressing rapidly to implement all of these recommendations,” Minister Styles said.

“We have committed $1 million to implement these key recommendations including stationing security at Darwin City, Casuarina and Palmerston bus interchanges.

“$300 000 of this commitment has funded two additional Transit Safety Officers and a fully functional additional patrol vehicle, bringing the total number of Transit Officers to 14, with 5 vehicles for the unit.

“The two new Officers commenced on duty this week, following comprehensive training in a range of subjects including tactical communications, diversity, alcohol and drug awareness, interview techniques and the judicial system.

“The Transit Safety Unit uniforms and vehicles have also undergone a rebranding process, to incorporate new distinctive and highly visible branding on vehicles and uniforms.  This will make the team highly visible and easily identifiable by the public.

“All Transit Officer vehicles have been updated with the latest technology, including Multichannel communications radios enabling direct contact with Police, GPS locaters and duress alarms, software that enables real time reporting and of  course, first aid kits provided by and maintained by St Johns.

“These blokes do a fantastic job, sometimes under pretty difficult circumstances.  They are on the beat to keep passengers safe and we want to make sure everyone knows what they look like, and who to go to, to prevent, report or identify an incident,” Mr Styles said.

A new Transit Safety Unit uniform and badge has been created, enabling easier recognition by the public including high visibility vests for day and night use. To further enhance visibility, and to ensure all public transport users are familiar with the Transit Officers, Bus advertising promoting Transit Officers will commence in December.

Media Contact: Renee Miller 0407 400 446

 IMAGE ATTACHED: Transit officers Stephen Pilkington and Peter Hallin