Bus diver safety must be a priority in Kings Cross fix-it

The callous assault of yet another bus driver over the weekend highlights what drivers have long known. We need increased security for public transport drivers on late night services from Kings Cross and in the city.

The State Government’s proposals to introduce more public transport between 1am and 4am will put even more bus and train drivers in potential danger of violent passenger behaviour.

There is no doubt that increasing public transport so alcohol-fuelled revellers get home faster will help alleviate some of the issues of violence and anti-social behaviour in Kings Cross and surrounding areas. But we won’t stand by and have this come at the expense of driver safety.

In the last three days alone we have seen two assaults on bus drivers – both who had to seek medical attention.

CCTV cameras in buses and on train stations are a good safety measure but they really only help to apprehend the offender after the fact.

The RTBU is now calling for increased security and transit officer presence on public transport late at night across the transport network to keep potentially violent people in check and ensure assaults don’t happen in the first place.

Drivers must be able to expect to finish a shift without a trip to the nearest hospital emergency department. So any proposal to increase late night public transport services must be accompanied by increased security for drivers.

Police have now released CCTV footage of the man alleged to have attacked the driver. If you see this man be sure to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000