The presence of security at bus stops on Willow St has been welcomed by regular bus users. Photo / George Novak
The presence of security at bus stops on Willow St has been welcomed by regular bus users. Photo / George Novak
The bill for hired security to thwart violence and other bad behaviour at Tauranga's three main bus stops is expected to hit $1 million.
But the unbudgeted spending has been backed by passengers who say they feel safer, while a CBD worker says "nefarious behaviour" has dispersed since security arrived.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has agreed to renew existing patrols at the Willow St, CBD; Farm St, Mount Maunganui/Bayfair; and Chadwick St, Greerton bus stops for the next financial year.
The cost of this is expected to reach $700,000.
Some $328,000 has already been spent on security since it was introduced at the end of last year after increased incidents of disorder, violence and intimidation in and around the bus stops, affecting both drivers and passengers.
Regional council Public Transport Committee chairman Andrew von Dadelszen said funding for the patrols had not been included in the regional council's original Long-term Plan so the $700,000 would continue as an "unbudgeted expenditure item".
Von Dadelszen said the agency's support provided "a real boost for a safer city for Tauranga residents".
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Public Transport Committee chairman Andrew von Dadelszen. Photo/ George Novak
"These security services provide benefits to residents beyond the bus services themselves and help support a thriving community in Tauranga."
Von Dadelszen said the bus services were safe "but we take the perception of buses being unsafe very seriously".
"Regional Council is working hard to provide high quality, safe, reliable, frequent and easy-to-access public transport services for all ages and abilities to meet community needs and provide attractive alternatives to car travel."
A Waka Kotahi spokeswoman said the agency supported a security presence at Tauranga bus stops "to ensure safe access to public transport for users and safety of bus drivers".
Funding for the general security of public transport facilities was available through the 2021-24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
"The Waka Kotahi board will confirm the final funding decisions for continuous programmes when it adopts the 2021 to 2024 NLTP in late August 2021."
Heidi Tidmarsh, who runs Heartspace - a community safe space, street whānau outreach and support hub in Red Square - supported the renewal of security in the area.
"Basically, the nefarious behaviour that was at the bus stop has dispersed. There are still people who like to push it but they are just bored, to be honest. They sit there with their cans of Cody's and wait to be moved on," she said.
Tauranga's Willow St bus stop has become a safer place with security in the area. Photo / George Novak
Heartspace offers shelter, food and a safe space for anyone who wants or needs it.
Tidmarsh said having security around meant young people getting on and off buses did not have to feel threatened by or subjected to older people under the influence and exhibiting disorderly behaviour.
"It's definitely made the area safer for general transport users and people using the library. There are no illegal activities happening and the kids aren't seeing their elders partaking in such behaviour."
Tidmarsh said she believed the money was worth it from a safety and civic order perspective.
"Otherwise, who's there to deal with it, bus drivers?"
In January, Graham McKean - an organiser for First Union, which represents some bus drivers in Tauranga - told the Bay of Plenty Times the CBD had become a "frightening place", particularly for bus drivers who have been "verbally harassed and aggressively set upon".
A spokesperson for NZ Bus, which the council contracts to operate the buses, said drivers reported 28 incidents in September and October. including abusive language and aggressive behaviour, five of which were serious enough to report to the police.
NZ Bus chief operating officer Jay Zmijewski said yesterday that drivers felt safer with the security patrols in place and supported the council's decision to renew the contract.
"The security patrols have seen a marked reduction in security incidents for both our drivers and other stakeholders at these locations."
New Zealand Police has yet to provide data, requested by the Bay of Plenty Times under the Official Information Act last month, about callout volumes to the bus stops before and after the security was introduced.
Security guards on patrol on Willow St. Photo / George Novak
At Willow St last week Lynn Dent, 76, who has been catching buses while on holiday in Tauranga, said she hasn't felt threatened once.
"I feel safe. I've got a big handbag and I'm older so I'm probably a soft target but I'm blown away at the services with the buses. It's fantastic," she said.
A Tauranga pensioner who would not be named said she has been catching the bus for about four years and the security had made a significant difference.
"I'm glad it's continuing because I feel safe. There used to be unlikely people sitting along the sides there, you just felt not good about it.
"It's the same in Greerton, you get to know the security guards and they always speak to you and are always friendly. It just feels much better having them here."
Another regular bus user said he had been subjected to drunk people accosting him while waiting for the bus but security moved these people on and he felt safer for it.
Others at the bus stop also supported the renewal of the services but declined to comment further.
