A partnership between Westrans and Maori leaders is helping drive down fare evasion and violence on Werribee buses.
Since July, Victorian Maori wardens have been riding Westrans buses around Werribee, reaching out to Maori and Pacific Islander young people using the fleet.
Victorian Maori Wardens chairman James Hohepa Smith said the group, which comprised Maori elders from across the western suburbs, were looking out for young people at risk.
The partnership with Westrans began after drivers noticed an increase in Maori and Pacific Islander youths causing trouble on buses and fare evading.
Mr Smith said the Maori wardens spoke to young people on the buses to find out what was troubling them.
“We’re not on the buses searching them or telling them what to do,” he said.
“Many of them don’t have anyone else to turn to and, in many cases, they’re riding the bus because they are bored and have nothing else to do.”
Deborah Goon, communications manager for CDC Victoria, which operates Westrans, said drivers had reported a drop in fare evasion and violence on Werribee buses since the partnership with the Maori wardens began.
“The drivers love having the Maori wardens on board and the general public feels safe,” she said.
