Driver safety requires a layered approach

Service Delivery Supervisor and Driver Paul Bird

Driver safety isn't built on a single initiative. It comes from multiple measures working together, from onboard safety features and training to operational support, strong partnerships, and people on the ground. Each plays a role in helping create a safer working environment for the people behind the wheel.

One example is the rollout of driver safety screens across Auckland's bus network. While all bus operators have been involved in installing driver safety screens across Auckland's public transport network, Kinetic led the way, working in partnership with Auckland Transport to conduct the initial bus trials and driver engagement, and support the early development of the retrofits.

A key strength of the project was the consultation that took place before a single screen was installed at scale. Rather than simply selecting a design and rolling it out, our drivers and engineers helped shape the final design by testing prototypes alongside union representatives across multiple vehicle types. Their feedback informed practical improvements before the wider rollout.

For Paul Bird, a Service Delivery Supervisor and Driver at our City Depot, the screens have become another important layer of protection.

"I'd like all my colleagues to get home without getting assaulted and these screens help a lot. I feel much safer with an additional layer of protection onboard.

"Initially it felt a little strange, but passengers have gotten used to them, my colleagues and I have as well. I don't feel like it changes the way I interact with people – I'm big on passenger interaction and I continue to greet everyone as they board."

The early results suggest this layered approach is making a difference. Auckland Transport reports violent and threatening incidents on buses are tracking around 50% below 2025 levels so far this year. Within Kinetic's own operations, we've also seen significant improvements since the driver safety screen rollout began, with physical assault injuries down 22%, injuries requiring hospitalisation down 77%, and overall reported assault-related incidents down 33%.

Onboard safety features, however, are only one part of the picture.

Since March this year, Kinetic has been the first operator to welcome Safety Ambassadors on selected Auckland bus services, introducing a visible, approachable presence that supports both drivers and passengers.

Safety Ambassadors aren't a security response. They're a people programme, investing in presence, connection and early intervention on routes where additional support can make the greatest difference. The challenges experienced across public transport often reflect broader community issues, and the programme is designed to respond to those challenges through engagement rather than enforcement.

Following the introduction of Safety Ambassadors on selected Auckland bus services in March, the programme has expanded as part of a broader Auckland Transport trial, with funding support from NZTA and service provided through Armourguard. The current trial is expected to continue through to September.

These initiatives sit alongside emergency alarm systems linked directly to our Operations Control Centre, live CCTV technology, driver de-escalation training, established incident response procedures and wellbeing support following difficult incidents.

While each initiative delivers its own benefit, it's their combined effect that makes the difference. Creating safer public transport isn't about finding one solution. It's about continually strengthening the layers of protection that help drivers and passengers feel safer every day.