The South Australian Government is establishing a new security taskforce to combat antisocial and violent behaviour on public transport.
As part of a $9.6 million state budget investment in transport safety, a Transit Compliance Team will be created to deter antisocial behaviour across Adelaide’s Metro network.
Initially comprising 19 officers deployed across services, the new unit will boost the overall number of prescribed officers employed by the transport department to around 200.
“The creation of this new team, alongside the roll-out of advanced security measures, forms part of our proactive approach to ensuring a safe commuting environment for all users of public transport,” Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said. “This is about creating a transport environment where people feel protected.”
The government’s taskforce initiative – which will come into effect in July – will give the transport minister the power to hit passengers with indefinite bans if they are charged with or suspected to have committed certain criminal offences, including violent acts. SA is the only state in Australia to ban individuals from public transport indefinitely.
People found to breach bans will incur fines of up to $7,000. “The introduction of these harsh penalties should send a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated on our network,” Koutsantonis said.
The barring orders are in response to recent violent incidents across the network, including 93 assaults on bus drivers last year alone.
To improve driver safety, $7.5 million is being spent on installing protective safety screens on all 940 government-owned buses. Nearly 170 buses have been fitted with the polycarbonate screens so far, with the remaining buses expected to be completed by the end of the year.
This is about creating a transport environment where people feel protected
SA’s public transport safety package also includes a $1.5 million investment in new AI cameras at key rail interchanges and train stations. If suspicious or dangerous behaviour is detected, the system will alert the department’s security team of the incident and a patrol will be dispatched if needed.
The smart cameras are currently being trialled at Flinders Railway Station, helping to detect disorderly acts such as vandalism. “These initiatives are about more than just deterring crime,” Koutsantonis said. “They also provide a sense of security and comfort to passengers, ensuring they can travel without fear.”
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