More Police on the beat, and on the bus
A re-elected National Government will establish a dedicated Auckland Transport Police Team to help keep Aucklanders safe as the City Rail Link transforms the city's public transport network, National's Police spokesperson Mark Mitchell says.
“Starting today, Auckland's public transport network becomes bigger, busier and more important than ever before.
“The City Rail Link will increase peak commuter capacity through the city centre by around 50 per cent. That means more Aucklanders relying on public transport every day, and later services.
“As the network grows, safety measures must grow with it.
“That is why National will establish a dedicated Auckland Transport Police Team, boosting the visible police presence on trains, buses and ferries, and at stations and transport hubs, focused on high-risk routes and peak hours.
“Every Aucklander should feel safe catching public transport, whether they're heading to work in the morning or travelling home late at night.
“Police should be where people are. As more Aucklanders use public transport, it makes sense to have more Police on the network.
“A visible police presence helps deter offending before it occurs, reassures passengers and transport staff, and ensures rapid intervention when something does go wrong.”
Police will receive an additional $7 million per year funded through Budget 2027 to recruit an additional 50 sworn officers to fulfil this function.
“Auckland Transport's staff already do important work keeping the network running safely, but they do not have the powers of sworn Police officers,” Mr Mitchell says.
“Aucklanders deserve the confidence of knowing that when they step onto a train, bus or ferry, Police are close and ready to respond if needed.
“The City Rail Link is a gamechanger for Auckland, and this policy will help ensure people feel safe using it. It’s a small part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future."
