A high number of attacks on public buses see the TWU calling for more safety measures
By Amie Hickland | October 25, 2013
Attacks on buses are a growing concern in the public transport industry, recent statistics reveal.
A survey of 450 drivers in South Australia by the Transport Workers Union shows 15 per cent of bus drivers have been assaulted at least once.
Twenty-seven per cent have also witnessed a member of the public being assaulted and 80 per cent have heard of another bus driver being assaulted.
TWU South Australia/Northern Territory Secretary Ray Wyatt says the problem needs to be quickly addressed to provide a safe public transport system for all concerned.
“We’re trying to get the message out there that this stuff is real,” he says.
Wyatt says the effort need to be a joint approach from all involved.
“It’s a partnership arrangement which is stop the blame, and work out a solution to work out a safe and reliable public transport system.”
“We need security on buses. We need security at interchanges.
“To have a safe and viable public transport system… we need to have these things in place.”
He says the problem is not exclusive to South Australia and describes it as a “global” issue.
In his experience, the problem is also rife in Northern Territory particularly at bus interchanges.
“We need safety systems in place to make it safe for the bus drivers and the travelling public,” says Wyatt.