Abuse of public transport system needs to stop now

I must say I feel sorry for the bus drivers and I am appalled by this behaviour.

Maroochydore bus stop near the Plaza. Picture: John McCutcheon

ON Saturday, May 18, I was travelling on a bus from Noosa to Marcoola about 6pm.

On one of the stops, 8-10 male teenagers boarded the bus, not one of them paid their fare, they didn't even look at the driver.

The driver didn't even attempt to stop them. I must say I feel sorry for the bus drivers and I am appalled by this behaviour.

Some of them had open soft-drink cans and couldn't have cared less about rules or regulations.

It was raining and the oldest one put his feet with dirty shoes straight onto the seat.

I am aware of this rather odd rule due to past events - no child is to be left behind.

But I guess it is time to move on.

These weren't children, they were teenagers, and if they have money for soft drinks they have money to pay the fare.

They simply abuse the system and it appears the government is sanctioning it.

What about the law-abiding public using public transport?

I travelled on June 4 from Brisbane City towards Ipswich by train.

Three police officers checked if everyone had a valid ticket or GoCard.

Why only down here and not on the Sunshine Coast?

I guess there are two ways to fix it - either the abuse of the system stops now and the police will check on fare evaders and punish them, or we all should not pay our fare, simple.

WALTER BORELL

Booval