‘Big Brother’ on the buses
by Amy Williams
Bus passengers in Auckland City could find themselves under ‘Big Brother’ type observation if a new surveillance scheme currently under trial by Stagecoach goes ahead.
The bus company, which services most of the city’s bus routes, is trying out two different camera systems on four of their buses to increase security for passengers and drivers.
Steve Wade, head of marketing and external communications at NZ Bus, who operate Stagecoach, says the trial is a joint venture with the Auckland Regional Transport Authority.
“The cameras were installed as a result of some unacceptable behaviour on some routes,” he said.
“They’re proving to be very effective – they have cut down antisocial behaviour and graffiti.”
Two of the buses have closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed, while the other two also have television screens which display camera images from around the bus.
Mr Wade says the CCTV trial has been in progress for six months so far, and will continue in conjunction with the other system for another couple of months, after which the company will decide which system to use.
“There are cost implications”, he says, “but we have an obligation to protect our staff.
“We’ve had a spate of attacks recently and we’ve had to take action.”
Mr Wade says the decision to install the cameras was not easy, as the organisation does not have a policy of surveying its customers.
“It’s a sad day when you have to consider it,” he says.
“But for other organisations around the world, it’s a matter of course.”
The company’s new environmentally-friendly Link buses, which will be introduced in September, will all be fitted with CCTV systems.