Network Officers pave the way for enhanced passenger experiences

Kinetic has partnered with the Department of Transport and Main Road’s Translink Division (Translink) to deliver an initiative aimed at lifting the passenger experience on buses across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

This is ultimately aimed at encouraging more people out of cars and onto public transport.

After successfully introducing Network Officers to bus networks in North Queensland, Kinetic and Translink have now expanded the program to the South-East Queensland regions with 21 new Network Officers now greeting the travelling public as ‘friendly, familiar faces’.

Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for South East Queensland, Martin Hall said the initiative gave people confidence in choosing public transport with Network Officers offering a visible presence that enhanced the overall travel experience.

“Since Network Officers have hit our bus networks in South-East Queensland, the feedback from passengers and bus drivers has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Hall said.

“This mirrors our experience in Cairns and Townsville where for two years they’ve been out in the community helping people with travel, building stronger ties with schools and community groups, and changing the way people view buses as a travel option.

“Our drivers also love having an additional interface with the travelling public and the positive role they play encouraging appropriate travel behaviour.”

Funded by Translink, Network Officers are a key public safety initiative and support Kinetic’s central Operations Control Centre and security teams.

Under public transport legislation, Network Officers have powers to enforce conditions of travel and the ability to issue infringement notices for offences including fare evasion.

Mr Hall said the investment made the network safer for passengers while enhancing the workplace for bus drivers who have a unique role in the community.

“Public transport is a vital service for the community and the safety of the travelling public and bus drivers is absolutely paramount,” he said.

“Our bus drivers are incredibly proud and passionate about what they do, and we know the overwhelming majority of passengers do the right thing. This is further investment in making bus a preferred mode of transport.

“You can also expect to see our new Network Officers out and about at events, schools and other engagements teaching people about the bus network and how to use it.”

In the last two years Kinetic has introduced Network Officers in Cairns, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast and Melbourne, partnering with governments to help more people catch the bus and feel safe and confident doing so.

Further enquiries
Steve Cadzow
Manager - Media & Communications (Northern)
0428 127 147
stevec@wearekinetic.com