A safer ride: GoBay buses boost security with CCTV cameras

Published: 29 July 2025

In a commitment to improving safety and enhancing service experience, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) is boosting safety with the rollout of CCTV cameras across 23 GoBay buses. Each bus will feature eight cameras: four inside and four outside, designed to deter anti-social behaviour and improve overall security.

This strategic investment is a key part of ongoing efforts to provide a safe, reliable, and cost-effective public transport solution. With live monitoring capabilities, these cameras will enhance emergency responses, protect passengers and staff, and provide quicker and more accurate resolutions to incidents – ultimately saving time and resources.

Regional Transport Committee Chair  and HBRC councillor Martin Williams says, “We’re prioritising safety for everyone — passengers, drivers, and the wider community. This CCTV rollout is a key step in ensuring GoBay continues to be a safe, reliable option for public transport, so our community can travel with confidence and peace of mind.”

Following several incidents in 2024, the new cameras will help discourage antisocial behaviour, including vandalism, harassment, and aggressive behaviour, ensuring a more respectful and secure travel environment. Each bus will display clear signage to inform passengers that CCTV is in operation.

In case of emergencies, CCTV footage can be accessed live by an external communications centre, enabling faster responses and real-time support for bus drivers and staff.

With this rollout, bus drivers will have added confidence, knowing help is always available if needed. CCTV also ensures quicker and more accurate resolution of complaints and incidents, benefiting both passengers and staff.

The installation of CCTV cameras is part of a broader initiative to enhance the safety, reliability, and responsiveness of GoBay bus services, all made possible by a joint investment from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Go Bus, and Crown funding administered by the NZTA.

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