Buses to stop on Hallowe'en
attacks on vehicles and drivers, it was revealed yesterday.
News of the Sunday 6.45 p.m. stop came after Public Transportation Board officials met union representatives and drivers to discuss the possibility of Hallowe'en pranks going sour.
PTB director Herman Basden said the decision had been taken partly to take pressure off the Police Service.
He said: "Given the amount of things Police have to do, we have come to the conclusion a 6.45 p.m. stop would be appropriate -- but it is an hour later than it was last year.'' Mr. Basden added that both he and staff regretted any inconvenience to the travelling public -- but that safety was the top priority.
He said: "It's about safety -- we had bad experiences years ago, but we hope this situation will change as time goes on.'' Mr. Basden added repair bills in the past for damage to buses during Hallowe'en had been hefty. And he said: "We don't want damage to the buses as has been done in the past, which has been extremely expensive.'' Mr. Basden added that night will already have fallen by the time the last bus service runs -- and urged people to enjoy the festivities, but act responsibly.
The announcement came after Police announced extra patrols and Reserve back-up to help clamp down on any potential Hallowe'en horrors over the weekend.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Vic Richmond said there had been a decrease in Hallowe'en-related crime and disorder last year -- but added that Police needed to keep a firm grip on the situation to prevent repetition of the problems of previous years.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Gertrude Barker said this year Police officers would not be put on buses. But she stressed Police would escort PTB vehicles through potential trouble-spots.
Last year, there were several incidents involving youngsters on buses throwing eggs and two years ago a Police patrol car was attacked.
Mr. Richmond added that no criminal could expect to get away with using a costume as a cloak to disguise their identity.