Darwin bus user claims new security doesn’t curb anti-social behaviour

Public transport users are worried extra security is not enough to curb anti-social behaviour after an incident at the Palmerston Bus Exchange. We reveal what happened.

Bus passengers fear for their safety on public transport despite the presence of security officers.

A Top End traveller said many people were now looking for alternative travel options after

a man was allegedly beaten while at the Palmerston Bus Exchange on Friday night.

“It’s clear that people are in fear of catching the buses,” she said.

The passenger said the new security officers seemed to be struggling.

“They just try to contain the behaviour,” she said.

“If they start yelling and screaming from the seats while you’re waiting for a bus, they will come up and tell them to be quiet.

“But you can see that they’re in a situation where they don’t know what to do.”

The woman said something more needed to be done to make public transport safe again.

“Things are just getting to the stage where it’s out of control,” she said.

A Department of Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics spokeswoman said an additional 14 security officers were introduced for a three-month trial in November.

“At this time there has been no significant increase or decrease in reported incidents on board buses, however, the security contractor reported a number of positive interactions and feedback from passengers who were appreciative of their presence on board the bus,” the spokeswoman said.

“Security guards on board act as a visual deterrent to antisocial behaviour and politely diffuse situations without endangering themselves or the general public.

“They encourage compliance with the rules of behaviour and have the power to demand a person to supply their name, date of birth and address.

“They can also give a direction and require someone to get off a bus.”

Joga Singh, Kavita Mann and Andrew Ned security officers that have just started on Darwin buses. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The trial follows a string of bus-related anti-social behaviour in the Territory.

NT Police were unable to comment on the additional security’s progress.

On October 2, at least 30 bus drivers gathered outside Parliament House to demand safer working conditions.

Two teenagers allegedly assaulted a 15-year-old and 44-year-old at the Casuarina bus interchange on November 4.

There were 7650 reports of anti-social incidents on public transport across the Northern Territory between July 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021.

Extra security officers began riding on Top End buses to deter anti-social behaviour in November. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Most recently, police have alleged a 56-year-old man was bashed with a bottle while at the Palmerston Bus Exchange on Friday night.

Troy Foster, 50, appeared in Darwin Local Court on Monday charged for the alleged bus stop assault.

Foster allegedly approached the older man and struck him wit a bottle, before repeatedly punching and kicking him.

The 56-year-old was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Foster was charged with intending serious harm and causing harm.

Judge Alan Woodcock heard the assault could be sent to the Supreme Court, with the 50-year-old’s matter to appear for a preliminary examination mention.

Foster made no application for bail, with his matter to return on February 1.