September 2026
Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty has joined forces with the Bay of Plenty Steamers and NZ Police to bring vital school bus safety messages to life for Year 5 to Year 8 students at Bethlehem College.
An interactive presentation was delivered as part of Tranzit’s long-standing school bus safety campaign, but the first time delivered in partnership with the BOP Steamers, whom Tranzit sponsors. It saw Tranzit’s team joined by NZ Police Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter and several Steamers players to deliver three engaging 20-minute sessions onboard a stationary school bus.
Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty Company Manager Jamie Jensen says the partnership provides a powerful way to engage young people with messages that matter.
“By bringing together Tranzit’s transport expertise, the Steamers’ positive influence and NZ Police’s safety knowledge, we can make learning memorable and help students take these habits back to their friends and whānau.”
The familiar, real-world setting helped students understand what to expect when travelling by bus, why positive behaviour and good bus behaviour matters, and how everyone can contribute to a safe and respectful journey. Students were also reminded that motorists travelling in either direction past a stationary school bus must slow to 20 km/h. They were encouraged to share the message with their families and wider communities.
Jamie Hodge, Bay of Plenty Steamer’s Partnerships Manger says the initiative has been a great way for the team to engage with a positive safety message, and they are excited about the opportunity to build on this partnership in 2027.
“Our hope is to expand the initiative to reach even more schools across our region, allowing more young people to benefit from the programme and strengthening our connection with schools and communities throughout the Bay,” says Jamie. “We are grateful to Tranzit for their continued support and look forward to growing the initiative together.”
