In recent years, the rate of violence against bus drivers has surged at an alarming pace.
The escalating number of both verbal and physical assaults has put bus drivers in the spotlight as vulnerable frontline workers and been a disincentive to potential new recruits.
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The Bus Industry Confederation’s report ‘Riding on the same bus’ details this rise in anti-social behaviour which has sparked discussions across the public transport industry.
Bus drivers face a range of violent behaviours, from verbal abuse to physical assaults, on an almost daily basis.
A recent study conducted in 2023 highlights that nearly one in five bus drivers report experiencing some form of aggression. The industry has not stood idle.
Safety strategies like installing physical barriers and video surveillance, as well as de-escalation training, have been deployed.
Despite best efforts, there is a growing recognition that these measures are not enough. Industry leaders, unions and drivers are calling on governments to step in and extend greater protections to bus drivers.
As essential workers who kept cities functioning throughout the pandemic, bus drivers deserve the same level of safety and respect as other frontline workers. In Australia, assaulting a healthcare worker or police officer carries more severe legal penalties.
By extending legal protections, increasing penalties for offenders and providing additional financial support for safety measures, we can ensure that bus drivers—like other essential workers—receive the respect and security they deserve.
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