By Webfit News Desk
Auckland Transport has completed the installation of driver safety screens across most of its bus fleet, marking a major step in efforts to improve safety for bus drivers and passengers on the city’s public transport network.
The programme began in late 2024 and was completed at the end of June 2026. According to Auckland Transport, 80 percent of the AT bus fleet, equal to 1,080 buses, has now been retrofitted with protective driver screens.
The rollout was led by Auckland Transport, with funding support from Auckland Council and the Government.
Why Prime Minister Modi’s New Zealand Visit Matters – WebfitNews
Major Investment in Driver Safety
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the completion of the project is an important move to better support bus drivers, who provide an essential service across the city every day.
“Our bus drivers deserve to be safe at work as they are out there every day providing an essential service to Aucklanders,” Mayor Brown said.
He said he had committed $3.2 million to fund the retrofitting of the public bus fleet with driver screens and welcomed the fact the project had been delivered on time and under budget.
“Completing the installation of over 1,000 safety screens is a practical way we’re backing bus drivers up and reflects the fact their safety matters,” he said.
New Buses Will Also Have Screens
Auckland Transport has confirmed that new contract requirements for bus operators will mean all new buses introduced to the network must have driver screens installed as a standard safety measure.
AT Chief Executive Stacey van der Putten said the rollout represents a significant shift in how safety is built into Auckland’s public transport network.
“This has been a major, network-wide effort, and it’s great to see it completed at scale,” she said.
She added that while no single measure can fully stop anti-social behaviour, physical barriers are helping reduce risk when combined with other safety initiatives.
Drivers Report Feeling Safer
Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt said drivers have noticed the difference since the screens began rolling out.
“Our drivers are telling us they feel safer and more confident behind the wheel with the screens in place,” he said.
He said incidents still occur, but the screens provide a clear separation from potentially volatile situations. That helps reduce stress and allows drivers to focus on driving safely and looking after passengers.
Broader Safety Measures on Public Transport
The safety screen programme is part of a wider package of initiatives aimed at improving safety across Auckland’s public transport system.
These include:
- Live CCTV onboard buses
- Enhanced Crime Stoppers reporting by text to 4030
- Share My Journey through the AT Mobile app
- Deployment of bus safety ambassadors
- Continued work with bus operators, unions and drivers
Auckland Transport said early indications show a stabilising trend, with assaults toward drivers dropping. The agency says this shift is partly linked to safety improvements such as the new driver protection screens.
Why It Matters
Bus drivers are often the first point of contact for thousands of passengers every day. Their work keeps Auckland moving, but it can also expose them to abuse, aggression and unsafe behaviour.
Protective screens are not a complete solution. That much is obvious. But they are a practical layer of protection and a visible sign that driver safety is being taken seriously.
The bigger test now is whether assaults continue to fall and whether drivers feel consistently supported across the entire network, not just on buses with new equipment.
For Auckland commuters, safer drivers also mean a safer and more reliable public transport system.
Source: Auckland Transport Media Release, 3 July 2026
