Yesterday saw 110 RailCorp Transit Officers graduated from their training course at a ceremony attended by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport John Watkins. Since completing their training, these officers have been performing the CityRail network under the supervision of experienced officers.

RailCorp’s 600-strong transit officer force has made a positive impact on the safety of passengers since its inception in 2002 with:

• crime statistics showing a 32.9% decrease in offences against people on railway premises between 2002 and 2005;
• a survey conducted by the Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator finding that seven out of 10 people feel safer using the rail system because of transit officers; and
• the Auditor General finding that fare evasion has fallen by 46%.

"I am encouraged by the results RailCorp has achieved in improving the security and safety of the rail network and expect the hard work of our dedicated transit officers to continue," Mr Watkins said.

Twenty people, including transit officers, station staff and police also received commendation awards at the ceremony. These awards recognised the oustanding performance of these individuals at a number of recent incidents, including protecting customers from assault, apprehending armed people who had robbed customers and taking part in a joint anti-graffiti operation which resulted in more than 300 charges being laid.

John Watkins with RailCorp CEO, Vince Graham; General Manager - Security, Paul Passmore; and the newly graduated transit officers.