A partnership, which has led to a decline in anti-social behaviour on some bus routes in the west, is set to be renewed.
Three years ago, bus company CDC Victoria and volunteers from the Wyndham-based Victoria Maori Wardens joined forced to launch a youth engagement initiative.
It involves volunteers from the warden’s group travelling for free on bus routes in areas including Werribee, Sunshine, Highpoint and Footscray, to engage with youths who might be at risk of anti-social behaviour.
CDC’s community engagement manager Michelle Ho McKersey described the partnership as “literally made in heaven”.
She said anti-social behaviour on buses, including fare evasion, graffiti, violence and abuse towards drivers, was “a huge problem”.
But last year, the wardens helped contribute to a 42.6 per cent decrease in overall incidents compared to 2015.
She said the wardens helped to prevent 20 counts of anti-social behaviour and 15 counts of fare evasion in 2016.
“We’re so thankful for the Vic Wardens volunteers who step up and engage with the youth and help us in our task to reclaim respect for our drivers,” she said.
She said CDC has asked Public Transport Victoria to allow the wardens to continue travelling on buses for free until June 30, 2020.
“This is yet to be confirmed in writing but we are confident it will materialise,” she said.
Maria Kumar, a Victoria Maori Wardens volunteer, said the volunteers had “a great relationship” with the bus drivers.
“I think the key to the difference we make on the buses is our presence, our presence creates prevention, can be an early intervention depending on the situation and the public wants to get involved and talk to us,” she said.
Fellow Maori Warden Foisha Harris said commuters often thank volunteers for their service.
Wyndham Inspector Marty Allison said police were “very supportive” of the “amazing work” done by the Victoria Maori Wardens.
