Down with Graffiti on Buses

NSW Transport Minister David Campbell today said the number of graffiti incidents on State Transit buses had dropped by 25 per cent from the last financial year.

Mr Campbell said the NSW Government had taken a number of steps to combat graffiti on the State Transit fleet in Sydney and Newcastle and figures showed that they were working.

“Any form of graffiti or vandalism on our buses is just not on and State Transit has been working closely with the NSW Police and schools to reduce the number of incidents of graffiti on buses,” Mr Campbell said.

“Our strategy of early detection and rapid removal of graffiti has proven to be an extremely effective way of reducing the impact of vandalism on buses and property and has also meant that services themselves are not disrupted by graffiti incidents.

“Over recent years, the installation of digital CCTV systems on all buses has helped deter and identify repeat offenders who deface the interior of buses.

“These initiatives have been successful in driving down graffiti on our buses, with the number of reported incidents dropping from 194 in 06/07 to 145 in 07/08.”

Mr Campbell said other initiatives to combat graffiti and make it easier to remove include:

• • Anti-graffiti cloth covering all seats;
• • Replaceable film on windows to prevent permanent damage from etching;
• • Operation Bus Stop, a joint initiative between the NSW Police and State Transit, whereby uniformed Police randomly patrol buses for anti-social behaviour;
• • Bus drivers checking buses at the conclusion of every shift to ensure the rapid detection and removal of graffiti;
• • Graffiti ‘signatures’ or ‘tags’ being routinely photographed and forwarded to Police; and
• • Engaging School Principals when major instances of graffiti are found on school services.

“Keeping public transport clean, safe and free of graffiti is a major priority for the Government,” Mr Campbell said.

“Earlier this year, the NSW Government introduced new laws to ban marker pens or etching implements for the purpose of committing vandalism to property. This type of vandalism carries a fine of up to $2,200 or six months jail.

“Anyone who notices this type of malicious damage to buses is encouraged to contact Transport Info on 131 500 and provide a bus number and time.

“We have pride in our State Transit fleet, as do the majority of responsible passengers. The small minority who don’t must learn the same respect or face the penalties.”