Police will patrol Queensland’s bus network for the first time and drivers will have more protection with full safety barriers to be installed in buses across Brisbane.

The state government has also announced more Network Officers will be rolled out across public transport to help curb an increase in criminal behaviour from passengers.

It forms a part of a $60.7 million plan to be implemented over the next five years.

The officers will be deployed to different areas, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Logan areas.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said for the first time, sworn police officers will also patrol the bus network.

“We will be getting more resources in there for police to bolster those officers, not just using on the rail but also the bus,” he told Neil Breen.

“Clearly some of the things we have seen on rail we are starting to see on the bus network and having more resources or police to patrol our bus network, that’s what the drivers need.”

He hit back at Calamvale Ward Councillor Angela Owen who questioned whether Senior Network Officers would be deployed on the problematic 100 and 110 routes last week on Brisbane Live.

Press PLAY below to hear his response

Cr Owen first raised safety as well as law and order concerns in Inala and Forest Lake.

It comes after reports bus drivers were refusing to stop at night on those routes.

Press PLAY below to hear more of her concerns

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