July 21st 2024.
Recent statistics have revealed that a worrying number of Adelaide's bus drivers were subjected to physical assaults in just one month. This has sparked urgent calls for the government to implement safety measures to protect both the drivers and passengers.
Footage obtained by 9News has shed light on the harsh reality of what these bus drivers face on a daily basis. In one incident, a passenger was forcefully removed from a bus in the southern suburbs after unleashing violent threats towards the driver. The driver was even forced to appeal for help over the radio as the passenger continued to make death threats.
Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident. Just two weeks ago, a brawl on a train on the Seaford line was captured on camera. This kind of behavior has become all too common for public transport workers, who are now demanding better protection while on the job.
According to Sam McIntosh from the Transport Workers Union, it is completely unacceptable that these workers are not safe in their workplace. The opposition has joined in the outcry, urging the government to take immediate action.
Vincent Tarzia, Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, stated that the recent data clearly shows that there is a serious problem in South Australia. In December 2023 alone, there were eight bus staff and six passengers who were physically assaulted, along with 120 reports of disorderly behavior. On trams, four customers were assaulted and there were 50 reports of disorderly behavior, with an additional 164 reports of vandalism on trains.
One proposed solution is to implement safety screens for bus drivers, but the opposition believes that this process is taking far too long. Tarzia expressed frustration over the fact that it will take four years for these screens to be installed on all buses. In response, Attorney-General Kyam Maher stated that the screens are being gradually installed on hundreds of buses.
The Transport Workers Union has managed to secure a meeting with the government next month to discuss their concerns. The opposition is also pushing for an increase in police presence on trains, trams, and buses, as well as stricter enforcement of barring orders to prevent repeat offenders from causing harm.
Tarzia added that there have been reports of individuals who have been barred from public transport, yet this is not being effectively enforced. Maher, on the other hand, clarified that there are officers stationed at various stations and on the rail system, as well as personal safety officers on trains to ensure the safety of both workers and passengers.
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