Bus driver attacked, Western Sydney: Bus service disruptions today
The Transport Workers’ Union of NSW apologises to passengers for
disruptions to Busways services today in Western Sydney. School services
will not be affected.
TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno said after the attack on a Busways driver in Bidwill, Western Sydney on Wednesday, drivers have had enough of broken commitments on safety by Busways.
“Busways have failed to put in place safety measures to protect Sydney passengers and bus drivers following a spate of violent attacks,” Mr Forno said.
“In March we had five violent attacks including a machete attack on bus drivers, all within a fortnight. Now we have had another driver attacked in the same area.
“Westbus who service the same area put in place safety measures including guards and security cages following the March attacks.
“Busways have not done this. Busways also have faulty two way radio systems on some buses which leave the driver with no lifeline in an emergency to contact police, other drivers or base.
“In this week’s attack the driver reported that his radio was faulty and he was left with no working radio to make contact after he was attacked.”
The driver reported being punched and is suffering injuries including a fractured nose, severe bruising and swelling and continuing headaches.
The incident occurred approximately 5.30pm Wednesday 20 July at Chestnut Crescent Bidwill, at the Birch Place bus stop near the intersection of Birch Place and Chestnut Crescent.
The driver tried to contact the depot following the incident however his two way radio was not working properly: despite commitments given by the company that all two way radios would be fixed.
The driver is now in a stable condition after seeking urgent after hours medical attention which was ongoing this morning.
Police are investigating the matter. Anybody with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For the safety of the travelling public as well as drivers, Busways drivers demand:
“And we demand Busways fix 2 way radios which are the only lifeline for both passengers and drivers in a crisis situation.
“Busways promised to do this immediately following the issue being raised on 21 June, one month ago. Busways have failed to do this.
“We want Busways to show that they are serious about keeping their commitment: as our members are serious about acting on their concerns if Busways don’t. And this union will be 100 percent behind our members.”
“Busways have failed to put in place safety measures to protect Sydney passengers and bus drivers following a spate of violent attacks,” Mr Forno said.
“In March we had five violent attacks including a machete attack on bus drivers, all within a fortnight. Now we have had another driver attacked in the same area.
“Westbus who service the same area put in place safety measures including guards and security cages following the March attacks.
“Busways have not done this. Busways also have faulty two way radio systems on some buses which leave the driver with no lifeline in an emergency to contact police, other drivers or base.
“In this week’s attack the driver reported that his radio was faulty and he was left with no working radio to make contact after he was attacked.”
The driver reported being punched and is suffering injuries including a fractured nose, severe bruising and swelling and continuing headaches.
The incident occurred approximately 5.30pm Wednesday 20 July at Chestnut Crescent Bidwill, at the Birch Place bus stop near the intersection of Birch Place and Chestnut Crescent.
The driver tried to contact the depot following the incident however his two way radio was not working properly: despite commitments given by the company that all two way radios would be fixed.
The driver is now in a stable condition after seeking urgent after hours medical attention which was ongoing this morning.
Police are investigating the matter. Anybody with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For the safety of the travelling public as well as drivers, Busways drivers demand:
- Security guards put on buses immediately on identified high risk routes
- Security guards to remain in place until security screens can be fitted to all designated routes; and following this a review to take place to consider the safety of drivers and the travelling public. Options may include both guards and screens to protect both passengers and drivers.
- Two way radios to be fixed immediately
“And we demand Busways fix 2 way radios which are the only lifeline for both passengers and drivers in a crisis situation.
“Busways promised to do this immediately following the issue being raised on 21 June, one month ago. Busways have failed to do this.
“We want Busways to show that they are serious about keeping their commitment: as our members are serious about acting on their concerns if Busways don’t. And this union will be 100 percent behind our members.”