The ACT Government has passed new laws to improve safety on public transport by giving authorities more power to manage anti-social and threatening behaviour at bus stops and interchanges.
Under the Road Transport (Public Passenger Servies) Amendment Bill 2025 — a Labor election commitment — both ACT Policing and Transport Canberra officers will be authorised to issue “move-on” directions to people acting aggressively posing safety risks near bus facilities.
Transport minister Chris Steel MLA said: “This is a powerful line in the sand that makes it absolutely clear that anti-social and violent behaviour is not acceptable.”
The reforms coincide with the introduction of new Transit Enforcement Officers, currently being recruited. Once trained, these officers will act as a frontline presence across the bus network, helping to de-escalate incidents, deter violence, and ensure passengers pay fares.
Specialised de-escalation training is also being rolled out across the bus workforce.
“The ACT Government has listened to Canberrans and our workforce to improve safety on our public transport network,” Mr Steel said. “Everyone has the right to be safe at work, and our passengers have the right to be safe when this critical service.”
