Bus services across Newcastle were temporarily halted today after a bus driver was threatened with a machete by a passenger. The incident sparked serious concerns about the safety of bus drivers and passengers in the city.
RTBU Secretary David Babineau expressed his concerns over the growing violence against bus drivers, which has included assaults, spitting incidents, and now the machete threat. “In the current environment, it’s simply too dangerous for our drivers to be out on the roads,” Babineau stated. “In the recent past, they’ve been spat on, bashed, assaulted, and now threatened with a machete. Something needs to be done urgently to protect the safety of commuters and drivers.”
The violent incident has raised questions about the overall safety of public transportation in Newcastle. With bus drivers facing increasing threats, it’s clear that security measures may need to be rethought. Could the introduction of security guards on public buses be the answer to protect both drivers and passengers?
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As of now, bus services in Newcastle have resumed, but the call for enhanced safety measures for transport workers is louder than ever. It’s time to have a serious conversation about how to protect bus drivers and ensure that public transport is a safe and reliable service for the community.