So far in 2024, our team of Community Relations Officers (CROs) have conducted over 300,000 ticket inspections to help maintain a respectful and safe journey for everyone on board.

An essential part of Busways customer service, our CROs work year-round day and night, helping customers, promoting positive behaviour on board and ensuring fare compliance.  Equipped with body cameras and supported by extensive training, our CROs are prepared to handle various situations on our buses, whether addressing fare issues, responding to incidents, or assisting passengers with enquiries.

“It’s every passenger’s responsibility to carry a valid ticket, pass, or ID card when using public transport,” says Hesh Youssef, a CRO team leader at Busways. “Most passengers do the right thing, but for those who don’t, we’re here to ensure that standards are upheld for the benefit of everyone,” Mr Youssef said.

Busways efforts are further strengthened by partnerships with Sydney Trains Transit Officers, NSW Police, and shopping centre security teams in NSW, as well as SA Police and Wilson Security in Adelaide, working together to address anti-social behaviours such as fare evasion and misconduct to foster a secure environment for all passengers.

Over the Past Year

• Over 32,700 buses were checked during inspections across NSW and SA
• More than 300,000 tickets were inspected to ensure fare compliance
• 950 fines and infringement notices issued for fare evasion
• 2,200+ transit cautions and formal warnings issued in NSW
• 18 arrests made in response to serious offences

“We take passenger safety seriously, and our regular inspection efforts help reduce fare evasion and promote respectful behaviour, creating a better experience for everyone,” Mr Youssef adds.

If Authorised Officers or Police in NSW detect someone committed a fare evasion offence, they may issue a fine of $200 (Maximum $550). Commuters are also legally required to provide a correct name and address to an Authorised Officer or Police when requested.

The South Australia officers can direct a person to leave the transport and issue an expiation fee of $160, with a maximum penalty of $1,250.