I certainly hope BCC continues the rollout of full driver protection with incidences like this occurring on the regular. I’m unsure if that would have helped in this circumstance though since the driver was out of his seat when the incident occurred.
https://www.busnews.com.au/assaults-on-bus-drivers-on-the-rise-sparking-nationwide-safety-push/
Another attack today.
The response from the Transport Minister seems pretty weak - a bunch of word salad.
Seems be the standard reply on many transport issues so far - “its a priority” without any actual actions. Hopefully that changes before too long…
“We are also looking at different options to prioritise issues with key stakeholders to improve safety outcomes," he said.
Government Statement: Crisafulli Government takes action on bus driver safety
…announcing a first of its kind roundtable…
Crisafulli Government takes action on bus driver safety - Ministerial Media Statements
Definitely not a bus safety forum.
Taking action!
In addition to the roundtable, the Crisafulli Government is working with Sunshine Coast Council to address security concerns at the Caloundra Bus Interchange, with a particular focus on improving facilities available to drivers.
Honestly I can’t for the life of me understand why they don’t knock down this eyesore. It’s basically just an old multi level carpark with the bottom level hollowed out and turned into a bus stop. Dark, dingy and laid out in a way where buses have to reverse out of each stop which doesn’t seem very safe. Plus the obvious security issues. It’s not a nice place to wait for a bus and it just feels unsafe especially at night.
They should have a new mixed use building there with and inline island bus stop/terminus.
Darwin Bus Safety
Bus interchanges shut down, services rerouted, gun carrying personal protective officers to be introduced.
I just got back from NZ and I personally really liked the fact that not even the police normally carry guns, let alone transit officers, I feel like this is unfortunately something that even if we ignore the other issues this could cause, is going to scare people off transit even more than antisocial behaviour if they start regularly seeing people who aren’t police carrying guns on the buses.
Terrible incident. Hope the Police are successfull.