Friday 1 June 2012

Thugs of any age aren't welcome on board public transport in Queensland, with the State Government today announcing a security blitz on the Gold Coast.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson has vowed to crack down on anti-social behaviour on board public transport following the new government's inaugural Bus Safety Committee meeting this morning (Friday 1 June).

"The message is simple - if you play up on public transport you will be caught and you will be punished," Mr Emerson said.

"In the coming months, TransLink Transit Officers and Senior Network Officers will be conducting a blitz targeting fare evasion and anti-social behaviour on-board Gold Coast public transport.

"Regardless of age, if you are caught, you will face the consequences and offenders may face a possible ban from public transport or potentially criminal charges."

Mr Emerson confirmed the governments commitment to retaining the 'No Child Left Behind' principle, despite some students using it as an excuse not to pay a fare.

"I acknowledge there are no simple solutions but I won't be sticking my head in the sand like the previous government and pretending the problem doesn't exist," Mr Emerson said.

Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said if the government was going to reverse the trend of declining patronage, drivers and passengers must feel safe and secure.

"There are no quick fixes to problems like this which is why we have an industry working closely together to identify solutions," Mr Minnikin said.

"These issues will be investigated and the findings will be presented at future meetings of the Bus Safety Committee.

"Our government is committed to working with industry, police and the relevant authorities to address these issues, change behaviours and to restore the trust of the travelling public."

The Bus Safety Committee is due to meet again in the next quarter.