The Dunedin Youth Council, Joint Dunedin Students’ Council and the Otago Regional Council issued a joint statement to remind people "we’re all in the same team".
ORC planning and transport general manager Anita Dawe said the new education campaign launched on Monday came about after students identified safety as an issue for youth using the public transport network.
"Together, we’ve come up with an advertising campaign by youth for youth and the wider community with the aim of encouraging good behaviour and knowledge of how to report any issues," Ms Dawe said.
She said most public transport customers were very respectful, "but if people do encounter any issues, we want them to be able to give a red card by knowing how to report and to feel empowered to do this".
"We want people to let us know if something happens that makes them uncomfortable."
Joint Dunedin Students’ Council spokesman Adam Salisbury said safety on and around public transport was clearly a concern for youth.
"The inner-city area should not only be safe, but a positive environment for young people.
"It's imperative that we have an understanding of how to report an issue, paired with promoting positive behaviour on our buses."
Bus safety issues were brought to the fore when 16-year-old Enere McLaren-Taana was fatally stabbed at the Dunedin city centre bus hub in May last year.
• Orbus Dunedin 0800 672 8736; Orbus Queenstown 0800 672 8778.
— APL
