Police will “increase their presence” on Auckland’s public transport network after the fatal stabbing of a woman on a bus earlier this week, the Government has announced.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said police have increased staff presence across public transport to “improve safety and provide reassurance to workers and users”.
“This attack has shaken Aucklanders, and particularly public transport users … Kiwis deserve to be able to get on a bus, train or ferry and be safe doing so,” he said.
The Government also signalled tougher consequences for people who commit offences.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said he would be asking the “justice select committee to explore if changes are needed to the Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill “for an expansion of aggravating factors to include offences to all public transport users”.
“An expansion could include making offences against all public transport users an aggravating factor, ensuring greater protection for those who rely on buses, trains, and ferries,” he said in a media release.
“The bill already provides for a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers.”
In addition, the Government said it would ensure that the $15 million in Budget 2024 funding for improving bus driver safety and work conditions would be provided to councils by the end of 2024.