Key Takeaways:
- A 16-year-old boy was violently attacked on a North Shore bus by a group of teenagers
- The incident has left the boy fearful of catching a bus again and has changed his life
- The boy’s mother, Lucy, has created an action group called the HBC Bus Safety to raise awareness about the issue
- Several parents have come forward with similar incidents, suggesting a pattern of violence on buses
- Police are investigating the incident and Auckland Transport is deploying more transport officers to deter antisocial behavior
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on a North Shore bus when a 16-year-old boy and his friends sat down at the top of the bus, away from a loud group of kids. However, within 30 seconds, several teenagers approached him, and a girl accused him of staring at her brothers. The boy apologized, but the girl punched him in the mouth, cheekbone, and eye, and continued to punch him in the neck. The boy tried to avoid fighting back and repeatedly apologized, but the girl continued to attack him.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The boy’s mother, Lucy, said that her son was shaken and scared after the incident. She said that he was afraid to move or get his phone out of his pocket, in case the group came back for him. The group was allegedly using nitrous oxide containers, known as "nangs", on the bus, and witnesses told Lucy that they were threatening to "get him at the next stop" or "finish it". A bystander overheard the threats and stood up in the aisle, trying to slow the group down and protect the boy. The boy eventually ran to hide behind some nearby buildings, where he was picked up by his father.
The Boy’s Experience and Its Impact
Lucy said that the incident has changed her son’s life, and he is now fearful of ever catching a bus again. He is afraid of being in public spaces and is hesitant to go out with his friends. Lucy said that her son is a sweet and innocent boy, and the incident has had a profound impact on him. She said that he is still shaken and scared, and it will take time for him to recover from the trauma.
A Pattern of Violence
Since Lucy posted her son’s experience on Facebook, several parents have come forward with similar incidents. Lucy said that she realized that this is not an isolated event, but rather a pattern of violence on buses. She said that she is not naive enough to think that the authorities will reduce the age of accountability for children, but she believes that if children are responsible enough to drive a vehicle, they should be held accountable for their actions. Lucy has created an action group called the HBC Bus Safety to raise awareness about the issue and to push for change.
Response from Authorities
Police said that they attended the Hibiscus Highway Bus Station after receiving a second-hand report of the incident. Senior Sergeant Brett Henshaw said that police interviewed the complainant and were awaiting CCTV footage to assist in progressing the inquiries. Auckland Transport group manager for public transport operations, Rachel Cara, said that they were assisting police with the matter and deploying more transport officers on NX1 bus services to help reassure passengers about their safety and security. Cara said that they were also working to deter antisocial behavior on buses.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The incident on the North Shore bus is a disturbing example of the violence and antisocial behavior that can occur on public transportation. Lucy’s son’s experience is a testament to the impact that such incidents can have on individuals and families. The creation of the HBC Bus Safety action group is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that it will raise awareness about the issue and push for change. It is essential that authorities take a proactive approach to addressing the problem and work to create a safer and more secure environment for all passengers.
