TSSA demands urgent action over bus driver assaults

TSSA demands urgent action over bus driver assaults  

Transport and travel union TSSA is calling for urgent action to protect bus drivers, following a worrying rise in assault across the Transport for London (Tfl) network. 

The union represents workers in TfL, including bus operations, and is currently running a national campaign to end violence against transport workers.

TSSA has described as ‘shocking’ new figures which show there had been over 800 physical assaults and hate crimes on bus drivers in 2024 – a rise of 21 per cent on the previous year.  

The data, obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) showed some of the worst boroughs included Westminster and Croydon. 

 Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust, said: “These new figures are truly shocking. Bus drivers keep our communities moving, yet they are far too often treated as targets for abuse.  

"These are among the most vulnerable frontline workers. Every day, they face a unique combination of responsibilities: driving safely through busy streets, collecting fares, ensuring passenger safety, and managing often difficult interactions with the public.  

“Despite this, working alone, they are too often left exposed to verbal abuse and physical assault. No worker should fear being assaulted as they do their job.  

“We demand immediate action from TfL and employers elsewhere, as well as transport authorities, and government to ensure drivers are safe, respected, and properly supported.” 

TSSA is urging bus employers to step up and fully protect their staff by: 

 * Ending lone working on buses and at bus stations 

*Installing high-quality CCTV cameras on all buses 

* Ensuring driver cabins are secure and designed to protect against assaults 

* Providing safe emergency exits from driver cabins to avoid direct confrontation with aggressors 

*We also highlight the need for stronger policing and enforcement. This includes more visible British Transport Police presence on bus services to safeguard both drivers and passengers.