The guards will be monitoring behaviour to help make the buses feel safer and more welcoming for everyone.

ORC is trialling the security service, using qualified uniformed staff on board buses on routes across Dunedin six days a week from 2.45pm to 9.15pm during term time. ORC is planning to introduce it on Queenstown buses later this year.

Otago Regional Council General Manager Regional Planning and Transport Anita Dawe says that, in general, the bus networks are safe and inclusive spaces. The trial is intended to support passengers to be respectful and considerate of everyone using buses. The trial will enable passengers to report bad behaviour to one of the security guards on board in real time, if they feel comfortable doing so.

“Most public transport customers are very respectful of others. This means most of the 12,000 trips in Dunedin and 5,000 trips in Queenstown taken on the Orbus network each day are without incident,” she says.

“At times though, we do see problems with some people’s behaviour.”

“Having security guards on board buses is about encouraging people to be respectful of each other. We want people to let us know if a situation makes them uncomfortable. Our aim is for everyone to have a positive experience when using the bus.”

“Our security staff have specialised training and experience to safely identify and manage violent and/or anti-social behaviour. Their priority is to de-escalate the risk to drivers and passengers, calling in the Police when necessary.”

On board security on Dunedin buses will be trialled for the next two months.