Media Release – Resurgence of rock attacks raises bus safety concerns

A recent resurgence in attacks on Sydney Buses has renewed calls for action to improve safety and security on public transport.

Reports of rock attacks on buses in Maroubra are no surprise to the union representing bus drivers, the RTBU, which says such attacks are not unusual.

RTBU Tram and Bus Division Secretary Chris Preston said bus drivers are just trying to do their job, and make sure that passengers have a safe journey, but that often means dealing with dangerous and illegal behaviour.

“Just in the last year, we’ve had a driver viciously attacked by a man on the drug ice, a man has attacked a bus with a shovel over a road rage incident, and now we see young offenders banging up buses with rocks and making passengers and drivers fear for their safety.”

“If something happens while a driver is on a route, there is no security guard to help and nowhere to go and the government should be doing more to catch offenders targeting buses.”

Mr Preston said that while drivers are used to enduring verbal assaults and spitting, violent attacks are on the rise on some routes, with BOSCAR statistics showing that more than 1925 assaults have taken place on buses, at bus stops, or at depots since 2011 – more than one incident per day.

“The L90 was the most dangerous route in the state until recently, but a joint effort between police, STA, and the RTBU was able reduce incidents and improve safety for drivers and passengers,” Mr Preston said.

“Thanks to the union, the L90 now sees uniformed and covert officers patrol buses, and buses are pulled over in key locations like Dee Why by patrol cars, with drivers given direct access to police contacts.”

“The RTBU has been fighting for greater security and protections for drivers, and the government finally took action.

Mr Preston said that other routes need the same treatment to curb violence and catch offenders.

“The NSW Government needs to take the safety of drivers seriously and ensure that offenders are caught, and face suitable punishments,” Mr Preston said.

“The major difficulty we face is identifying and catching the attackers.  It’s one thing to have strict penalties in place, but when someone is able to throw rocks at a bus then just flee the scene, there is no justice.”